Higher Education Ministry keeping tabs on Malaysian students amid Indonesia haze, says Zambry


A motorist rides on a road amid haze from forest fires in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. -AP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry is continuously monitoring the situation involving Malaysian students in Indonesia following the prolonged haze, which could affect their health.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the ministry had yet to receive reports on the seriousness of the situation, as conditions varied across different universities and locations.

“Indonesia has many island regions, whether in Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi and elsewhere.

“Nevertheless, we continue to monitor the situation. So far, we have not received reports on its seriousness as it depends on the universities concerned.

“As such, we will continue to monitor it. Our representative at the Malaysian Education Office in Indonesia will inform us about the haze situation,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the 2026 Umno Annual General Assembly here on Saturday (Sept 12).

Open burning in Indonesia has contributed to prolonged haze affecting Malaysia, with several areas recording unhealthy air quality levels.

Zambry added that the universities' operations would also depend on their respective policies.

“If these universities face serious problems, they may close, and this will also involve our students.

“As of this moment, there has been no report concerning the seriousness of the health impact, although the haze situation there is serious,” he said. 

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

RM1mil boost for historic Sikh temple restoration
Penang delegate dubs Onn Hafiz ‘Mr Authentic Umno Malaysia’
Umno has right to work with anyone for stability, says Kepong chief
Police hunt two men who fled from inspection, crash with two vehicles in Kajang
Police nab two men, seize drugs after 50km chase in Kota Tinggi
Government engages students, academics on new law to replace Auku
PM Anwar stresses on freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz, calls for diplomacy
Parliament open day platform to bring democratic institutions closer to people, says Johari
Umno fine with 'Madani' concept, but identity remains 'Unity Government', says Asyraf
Southbound left lane of NSE near Menora Tunnel reopens after landslide, say Perak cops

Others Also Read