Johor extends school closures amid persistent haze and health concerns

The Johor haze management coordination committee announced that public schools will remain shut for another week, citing ongoing hazardous air quality. The move aligns with a directive from the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, underscoring the state government's commitment to health and safety. Air-pollution readings have stayed at concerning levels, and forecasts predict wind patterns will push haze toward the north over the next three to four days.

While public schools stay closed, private schools and childcare centres are permitted to decide independently. Health officials highlighted a surge in respiratory illnesses, reporting 30,648 asthma and upper-respiratory cases this month, a 20.7% weekly increase, and urged stronger preventive measures for children and at-risk populations.