More than two million students across Malaysia were forced to stay home on Friday as haze from wildfires in Indonesia blanketed the region, prompting Malaysia and Indonesia’s leaders to discuss measures to tackle the pollution.
Malaysia’s Education Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, announced the closure of schools across Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor states, as well as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and the Rompin district in Pahang, in a Facebook post.
The decision followed similar closures in the southern state of Johor, one of the areas worst affected by the haze.
Neighbouring Singapore was ranked the world’s most polluted city by IQAir, raising concerns over the impact of the poor air quality on this weekend’s annual Formula One race.
The event, which features scheduled performances by Lana Del Rey, Mark Ronson and other international acts, is expected to attract at least 300,000 local and foreign visitors.
Race organiser Singapore GP did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Indonesia is experiencing one of its worst fire seasons in years, as an intensifying El Niño worsens drought conditions and fuels widespread wildfires across the archipelago.
The deteriorating air quality has increased calls for regional cooperation, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim contacting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss efforts to tackle the haze, which has raised public health concerns across South-east Asia.
According to the Malaysian prime minister’s office, Prabowo had “agreed to take the necessary steps”.
“This commitment must be followed by immediate and effective action by Indonesia to address the sources of the haze, with Malaysia ready to provide its cooperation,” Anwar told reporters on Thursday.
Air quality in Kuala Lumpur remained in the “unhealthy” range on Friday, prompting residents to limit outdoor activities.
Parks in the Malaysian capital, which are usually busy with morning joggers, were quiet as people stayed indoors to avoid exposure to the haze.
Malaysia’s Education Ministry said schools in areas recording high pollution levels for three consecutive days would also close on Monday.
The announcement came hours after Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, called for schools to shut, stressing that the health and safety of children should be prioritised.
“Appropriate measures must be taken by the relevant ministry and agencies to protect students, including senior citizens and respiratory patients,” the monarch said in a Facebook post.
He also urged members of the public to wear masks and reduce outdoor activities to minimise their exposure to the polluted air.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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