Fadhlina: Schools in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and nine districts to close tomorrow as haze lingers

A "school closed" sign is displayed in front of SMK Cochrane Perkasa along Jalan Peel, Kuala Lumpur, following worsening haze conditions on October 9, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 3:24 PM MYT

Last Modified: Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 3:24 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — All educational institutions registered with the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Negeri Sembilan have been ordered to close tomorrow, the state Education Department announced today.

In a statement, the department said the decision was based on monitoring of Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the state. This extends the closure that began today, when schools in Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka and Putrajaya were shut as haze worsened.

It said all pupils, including those living in school hostels, will follow Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) throughout the closure. This is to ensure learning continues in line with the Education Ministry's directive.

Parents and guardians were asked to make sure their children take part in PdPR. Schools were told to ensure PdPR runs smoothly and that the welfare and safety of pupils, including hostel residents, are protected at all times.

The department also said it will keep monitoring developments, including API readings in the areas concerned. It will issue official information if there are any changes to the operation of educational institutions.

Parents, guardians, examination candidates and schools were urged to rely on the department’s official channels for accurate and current information, and not to spread unverified information.

The extension comes even though air quality in the state has eased. According to Department of Environment (DOE) data as of 10.40am today, Seremban's API fell from 167 yesterday afternoon to 154, while Nilai dropped from 164 to 151. Port Dickson, which logged 154 yesterday, was no longer in the unhealthy range. An API reading of 101 to 200 is classed as unhealthy.

Nationwide, 20 of the 68 monitoring stations recorded unhealthy readings this morning, down from 23 yesterday.

Johor remained the worst affected, with eight unhealthy stations. Pasir Gudang recorded the highest reading in the country at 181, up from 174, followed by Larkin at 176 and Sri Aman in Sarawak at 170. No station recorded very unhealthy or hazardous levels.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek previously announced that schools in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Putrajaya would be closed today. The closures also covered schools under the district education offices of Hulu Langat, Petaling Perdana, Kuala Langat and Sepang in Selangor, and Kuantan and Rompin in Pahang.

Health and education authorities have advised parents, high-risk groups and students with respiratory ailments to wear face masks outdoors and to follow API updates through official channels.