Malaysia haze: sinkhole in Kelantan, Johor extends school closures

· Climate · Malaysia

An 8m-deep sinkhole appeared in Malaysia's Kelantan state, prompting a road closure for urgent repairs, with concern that recent heavy rainfall could accelerate new sinkholes. Johor extended school closures to Oct 16 as haze worsened, based on weather conditions, air pollution levels and potential health risks. Schools in some Malaysian states reopened on Oct 12 as air quality improved. The haze has left parents scrambling for childcare and experts warned relief might not come until December.

Why it matters：The haze is disrupting education and daily life across Malaysia, and the sinkhole adds a geotechnical risk as heavy rain persists.

Key points

  • An 8m-deep sinkhole appeared in Kelantan, forcing a road closure.
  • Johor extended school closures to Oct 16.
  • Experts said haze relief might not come until December.

Sources (original reporting)

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