Malaysia closed schools across several states and federal territories on Friday due to hazardous air pollution triggered by ongoing forest fires in neighboring Indonesia.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced late Thursday that school closures affect Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang’s Rompin district, Selangor and the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Local education offices have been instructed to monitor air levels closely and act swiftly as conditions develop.
Government environmental data showed 37 locations recording "unhealthy" Air Pollutant Index (API) levels between 101 and 200 on Friday morning. Indonesia continues to combat widespread land and forest fires across multiple provinces which have sent thick smoke spreading into Malaysia and Singapore.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto pledged action against the fires also offering Malaysia’s support. Anwar also requested Malaysia's foreign minister to call an emergency ASEAN ministerial meeting to address the regional haze crisis.
