Johor extends closure of all schools, religious institutions until Oct 16

JOHOR BARU: All schools and educational institutions in Johor, including religious schools, will remain closed for another five days from Monday until Oct 16 due to worsening haze and unhealthy air quality.

State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the decision was made after considering prevailing air pollution conditions and in deference to the decree of Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail, who prioritises the safety, health and well-being of Johoreans, particularly students and education personnel.

He said air pollutant index (API) readings remained between 170 and 180, with no significant improvement, indicating that air quality continued to be unhealthy.

"The expected wind movement from Kalimantan between Oct 13 and 15 could bring transboundary air pollution, affecting air quality in Johor.

"The risk of rising concentrations of fine particles in the atmosphere, which could affect the respiratory system and the health of students and vulnerable groups, was also taken into account," he said in a statement today.

Naqib said stagnant atmospheric conditions and limited air movement could further hinder the dispersion of pollutants, potentially prolonging the haze.

He added that reports on the health effects of air pollution, particularly respiratory problems among children and school communities, were also considered before the decision was made.

Meanwhile, state Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the extended closure also covered Johor Religious Schools, Johor Government Religious Secondary Schools and registered private Islamic education institutions under the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ).

He said the decision followed the state government's announcement extending the closure of educational institutions throughout Johor.

Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will continue during the closure, subject to the directives of the Johor State Education Department and JAINJ, respectively.

Any assessments or academic examinations affected by the closure will be rescheduled according to the arrangements set by the relevant authorities.

Both Naqib and Fared urged parents and guardians to monitor their children's health, limit outdoor activities and ensure they drink sufficient water.

They also advised parents to seek prompt medical attention if their children experience persistent coughing, sore throats, breathing difficulties or other symptoms associated with air pollution.

The state government, in collaboration with the relevant agencies, will continue monitoring API readings.

Any decision on when schools and religious institutions can resume normal operations will be announced through official channels, subject to improvements in air quality and assessments of health and safety conditions.