Malaysia has closed schools in Kuala Lumpur and several other areas as smoke from Indonesian forest and peatland fires worsens air quality across the region.
The closures followed weeks of haze that have affected cities across Southeast Asia and increased respiratory health concerns.
Malaysia’s Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek ordered closures in several states and federal territories. Schools in parts of Pahang and Perak were also affected, according to local reports.
Kuala Lumpur Faces Severe Air Pollution
Kuala Lumpur’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Friday. IQAir data cited in reports placed the city among the world’s most polluted major urban centres.
Malaysia’s Air Pollutant Index (API) classifies readings above 100 as unhealthy, above 200 as very unhealthy and above 300 as hazardous. Readings exceeding 500 meet the threshold for declaring a local emergency.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim urged authorities to close schools when pollution readings reach 150 or higher. He also called for measures to protect children, older people and those with respiratory illnesses.
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Sidek said future school closures should be announced earlier so parents have time to make arrangements.
Anwar Seeks Urgent Regional Cooperation
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had discussed the haze crisis with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Anwar said Prabowo had agreed to take necessary steps, although he did not provide details of the proposed measures.
Malaysia is also increasing efforts to combat the haze, including cloud-seeding operations intended to encourage rainfall.
Anwar said he had asked Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan to contact the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretariat. He wants an urgent meeting of regional environmental ministers to coordinate a response.
Indonesia has been battling forest and land fires across several provinces. Smoke from the fires has spread to neighbouring countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.
Singapore Also Reports Unhealthy Air
Singapore has also experienced worsening air pollution as the haze spreads across the region.
IQAir reported very unhealthy readings in Singapore on Friday, according to published reports. The pollution has raised concerns about public health and outdoor activities.
Experts have warned that unusually hot and dry conditions linked to a strong El Niño could intensify fires and prolong the haze. The regional crisis has renewed calls for stronger fire prevention and cross-border cooperation.
