Johor has said it will close schools, kindergartens and childcare centres across the state if the Air Pollutant Index rises above 200, as several districts already record unhealthy haze conditions. State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said Segamat and Batu Pahat recorded readings of 157 on Sunday morning, while Tangkak stood at 153 and Kluang at 151. The Malaysian API classifies readings above 100 as unhealthy. He said the state Education Department is ready to activate closures under existing standard operating procedures if the threshold is crossed. District education offices and schools have been instructed to keep parents, pupils and teachers informed as conditions change. Outdoor activities under reviewSchools are already monitoring outdoor activities during the present hot spell and haze. Dr Muhammad Naqib said education officials can reduce those activities if needed, adding that the situation must be taken seriously. That means decisions can be taken before a full statewide closure is ordered. The immediate concern is limiting children's exposure to poor air quality while allowing schools to respond to local conditions and official API updates. A clear statewide triggerThe announcement gives families a clear marker to watch: an API reading above 200 would trigger the closure of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres throughout Johor. Until then, authorities are relying on monitoring, communication and possible reductions in outdoor activity. The approach places a practical emphasis on current readings rather than a fixed date, as haze levels can change quickly between districts. Parents are being kept in the information chain through their schools and the relevant education offices. What it means for foreigners in MalaysiaExpatriate families with children in Johor should monitor school notices and local API updates, particularly if they live in or travel through affected districts. A closure would apply statewide once the threshold is exceeded, so families may need short-notice childcare plans and should consider reducing outdoor time while readings remain unhealthy. 7 september 2026
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