Malaysia Schools Closed Haze Crisis Hits Kuala Lumpur and Other States
Thick smoke from Indonesian fires has covered towns for over a month, and leaders from both countries are now talking about a joint response.
Malaysia – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Here is the latest on Malaysia schools closed haze: classes were stopped in many areas on Friday because thick smoke from fires in Indonesia made the air unsafe to breathe.
Kuala Lumpur and several other parts of the country were hit hard. The smoke has been drifting across the region for more than a month. It comes from burning peatland and forest.
Doctors say more people are now coming in with breathing problems. Towns and cities across the region have been wrapped in grey smoke for weeks.
On Friday, the air in Kuala Lumpur got even worse. The city reached a reading of about 224 on the IQAir index. This pushed the Malaysian capital past Singapore, and IQAir named it the most polluted major city in the world.
Singapore was not far behind. Its reading touched 209 in the afternoon, which falls in the “very unhealthy” range.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek ordered full school closures in four states and two federal territories. One state, Pahang, will see only some schools shut. Three districts in Perak State also closed their schools on Friday.
The ministry has not yet said whether schools will open again on Monday. Officials could not be reached for comment.
Fadhlina said parents will get more notice in the future. She promised that any decision to close schools will be shared early, so families have time to plan.
The King also stepped in. Sultan Ibrahim said on Thursday that schools should close when the Air Pollutant Index reaches 150 or higher. He asked the ministries to protect students, older people and patients with lung problems.
Under Malaysian rules, a reading above 100 is unhealthy. Above 200 is very unhealthy, and above 300 is hazardous. A reading beyond 500 can lead to a local emergency.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the haze has reached a worrying level. He said he spoke directly with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. According to Anwar, Prabowo agreed to take the needed steps, though no details were shared.
Indonesia’s government said regular talks between the two leaders are a normal part of their close ties.
Malaysia is also trying to ease the problem at home. Anwar said the country is using cloud seeding to bring more rain. He added that the government will keep watching the situation and try other steps if needed.
He has also asked Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan to contact the ASEAN secretariat. The goal is to call an urgent meeting of environment ministers from the 11-nation group.
Experts say the fires are being pushed by a strong El Nino weather pattern. It has created the worst smoke conditions in several years.
For now, families are being told to stay alert. People with asthma or other lung problems should take extra care. Parents should check for school updates each day.
Many hope the talks between Malaysia, Indonesia and ASEAN will bring faster action. Until the fires are under control, clean air may stay hard to find.
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