JOHOR BARU: Johor has instructed all schools and educational institutions in the state to remain closed for another week from Monday (Oct 19) to Friday (Oct 23).
State education and information committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the decision was made at the state’s Haze Management Coordination Meeting on Saturday (Oct 17), following reports that Air Pollutant Index (API) readings remained at worrying levels with no significant improvement.
“We took into account wind movement towards the north, weather forecasts for the next three to four days and health concerns over prolonged exposure to air pollution, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
“A total of 30,648 cases of asthma and upper respiratory tract infections were also recorded in Johor so far this month, with a 20.7% week-on-week increase,” he said in a statement.
He said limited exemptions could be considered for students required to sit for specific examinations or assessments, subject to coordination by the state Education Department and strict compliance with health standard operating procedures.
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He said the department would coordinate examination and assessment schedules between schools under the Education Ministry and Johor religious schools, while home-based teaching and learning will continue throughout the closure.
Dr Muhammad Naqib added that private educational institutions and childcare centres may decide whether to continue operating or close, provided they comply with the stipulated guidelines, including operating in enclosed areas and requiring face masks.
The school closure was first imposed in Johor on Oct 7 and 8 before being extended from Oct 12 to 16.
Dr Muhammad Naqib said the decision was made in deference to the decree of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who consistently prioritised the safety, health and well-being of Johoreans.
