JOHOR BAHRU (Oct 10): The Johor government has decided to extend the closure of all schools and educational institutions in the state for five days, from Oct 12 to 16, due to the haze.

State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the decision was made upon the decree of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, following the worsening air quality.

Muhammad Naqib said the decision also took into account several key factors based on an assessment of the current situation, including projected wind movements from Kalimantan, Indonesia, between Oct 13 and 15, which could bring transboundary air pollution and affect air quality in the state.

“In addition, the concentration of air pollutants and static atmospheric conditions could cause the haze to persist for a longer period, while Air Pollutant Index (API) readings have been reported at between 170 and 180,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

He said risk assessments and health statistics regarding the impact of air pollution had also been reviewed, specifically focusing on the risk of respiratory problems among children, students and educators, who are more vulnerable to the effects of haze.

He said that for schools scheduled to conduct academic assessments or evaluations during this period, all related activities would be postponed and rescheduled in accordance with the directives of the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) and the relevant authorities.

“At the same time, Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will continue where appropriate to ensure the continuity of the pupils’ learning process,” he added.

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