JOHOR BARU: All schools and educational institutions in Johor will remain closed for another five days from Monday (Oct 12) to Friday (Oct 16), due to the ongoing haze affecting the state.
Johor education and information committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali stated the decision to extend the closure was made after considering current air pollution trends and health risks posed to students and the education community.
"This decision was made in deference to the decree of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who consistently prioritizes the safety, health and well-being of the people of Johor. "This priority specifically concerns students and the education community in light of the haze and deteriorating air quality affecting the state," he said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 10) night.
Previously, all schools in Johor were closed for two days on Oct 8 and 9 due to the haze.
The closure affected 1,198 schools and 617,258 students, encompassing both schools under the administration of the Education Ministry and state government religious schools.
Meanwhile, Dr Muhammad Naqib stated that one of the factors taken into account was the forecast of wind movement from the direction of Kalimantan between Oct 13 and 15, which has the potential to bring trans-boundary air pollution and affect air quality in Johor.
“Furthermore, the risk of rising and accumulating concentrations of fine particles in the atmosphere, combined with slow air movement, could cause the haze to persist for a longer period.
“Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, which have remained stagnant between 170 and 180, also indicate that air quality remains in the ‘unhealthy’ category,” he said.
He said academic assessments and examinations scheduled during the closure period would be postponed and rescheduled in accordance with the Johor Education Department and relevant education authorities.
"Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will continue where appropriate to ensure that students' learning is not disrupted," he said.
He added that the state government would continue monitoring air quality in cooperation with relevant agencies.
"Any further decisions regarding the reopening of educational institutions will be announced through official channels after considering the latest air quality developments and health and safety assessments," he said.
Dr Muhammad Naqib also urged parents and guardians to limit their children's outdoor activities, ensure adequate water intake and seek medical attention if they experienced symptoms such as persistent coughing, sore throat or difficulty breathing.
"The state government recognises that this decision requires understanding, cooperation and adjustments from various parties.
"Nevertheless, the safety, health and well-being of Johor's children remain our priority and cannot be compromised," he said.
