PETALING JAYA: Schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are ordered to close starting today due to the worsening haze, says the Education Ministry.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the closure will also cover Rompin district in Pahang, while schools in Perlis, Perak, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will operate as usual.
Johor had on Wednesday announced a two-day closure of schools on the decree of the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim following worsening haze and air quality across the state.
In a statement, Fadhlina said all state Education Departments (JPN) and district education offices (PPD) had been instructed to continue monitoring the haze situation closely.
“They have also been told to take immediate action, including ordering closures, if conditions deteriorate and pose a risk to students and school personnel,” she said, adding that the ministry acknowledged that school closure decisions could disrupt the daily routines of parents, particularly those who have to make alternative childcare arrangements.
Fadhlina said future decisions on school closures would be communicated earlier to give parents sufficient time to make the necessary preparations.
She urged parents to follow official updates from their respective schools, JPNs and PPDs.
Earlier yesterday, Director-General of Education Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said that the Ministry is heeding the King’s call for schools in areas affected by haze to be closed, if the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings remain between 150 and 180 for prolonged periods.
Mohd Azam said the affected schools and institutions under the ministry are required to conduct teaching and learning from home (PdPR).
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia had in a post on Facebook, made the call.
His Majesty also urged the public to take health precautions, including wearing face masks and reducing outdoor activities.
Separately, at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, the King also conferred the Panglima Gagah Pasukan Polis (PGPP) First Class award on Bukit Aman Special Branch director Comm Datuk Seri Ibrahim Darus.
The award was conferred during the 2026 Police Gallantry and Bravery Awards ceremony.
Ibrahim led the list of 159 recipients honoured at the ceremony, which recognised the service, dedication and sacrifices of police personnel in maintaining the country’s security and peace.
His Majesty also conferred the PGPP on Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali, Integrity and Standards Compliance Department director Comm Datuk Aida Abdul Hamid, and Logistics and Technology Department director Comm Datuk Redzuan Abd Hamid.
The award was also conferred on Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Comm Datuk Seri Noor Hisam Nordin, PDRM Management Department director Comm Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus and Kedah police chief Comm Datuk Adzli Abu Shah.
Completing the list of PGPP recipients were Bukit Aman Special Branch deputy director Comm Datuk Mohd Hairuddin Che Hamid and Comm Special Branch deputy director II Datuk Mohammad Shaharul Md Osman, Bernama reported.
Sultan Ibrahim also conferred the Panglima Setia Pasukan Polis (PSPP) on 31 recipients, the Pahlawan Pasukan Polis (PPP) on 44 recipients and the Kesatria Pasukan Polis (KPP) on 15 recipients.
Another 58 individuals received the Bentara Pasukan Polis (BPP).
