Malaysia ordered schools across Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, plus districts in four other states, to close on October 14 because of haze. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced the decision on October 13, Bernama reported. Home learning will replace classes, while teachers and support staff may work from home.
The order also covers Hulu Langat and Sepang in Selangor; Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang; Tawau in Sabah; and Serian, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu in Sarawak. Other areas will operate normally, the minister said. The Borneo Post reported that certain scheduled assessments and examinations in Sarawak will still proceed despite the closures.
A National Security Council update citing Bernama reported unhealthy air in 23 areas at 10 a.m. on October 14. Kota Tinggi recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index reading, at 170. Readings from 101 to 200 indicate unhealthy conditions. The update also listed 42 areas with moderate air quality and three with good air quality.
Authorities seeded clouds around Johor Bahru on October 13 to encourage rain, Bernama reported. Meteorological department chief Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said deteriorating haze prompted the addition to the schedule. He warned that smoke could return after rain if fires continued and winds carried pollution from Kalimantan in Indonesia.
Deputy environment minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh attributed the episode to increased forest and land fires in Indonesia, including Kalimantan and Sumatra, according to Bernama. He said shifting winds could gradually ease Malaysia's haze over two weeks, but weather changes alone would not provide a lasting solution.
The deputy minister called for stronger domestic enforcement and regional cooperation to prevent recurring fires. For now, the school closures move teaching into homes while pollution remains widespread. The forecast improvement is conditional: officials have stressed that controlling fires at their source remains essential even if wind and rain bring temporary relief.
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