Haze crisis worsens as unhealthy API readings force sweeping school closures in Putrajaya, Selangor and Rompin

All education institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE) in the Federal Territory of Putrajaya and Selangor have been instructed to close today due to the haze. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 09 Oct 2026 8:56 AM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 9 — All education institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE) in the Federal Territory of Putrajaya and Selangor have been instructed to close today due to the haze.

The Putrajaya Education Department said the decision is in line with the MOE’s instructions and His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s decree out of concerns for the safety and health of students.

The closure is based on the Air Pollution Index (API) readings recorded at monitoring stations as of 5pm yesterday, it added.

Meanwhile, in SHAH ALAM, Selangor state education director Datin Wan Nor Ashikin Abu Kassim  confirmed the closure of all MOE education institutions in the state tomorrow, while Selangor Islamic Religious Department director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad announced in a separate statement also announced that all state religious schools under the department would be fully closed tomorrow, and recommended that private religious schools registered with the department to follow suit.

In PAHANG, the state education department issued a statement tonight instructing education institutions under its purview in Rompin district to close tomorrow.

“All education institutions in Rompin need to monitor API reading developments continuously and to comply with guidelines and instructions issued by the MOE, the Environmental Department and the Health Ministry,” the department said.

Due to the closure, all education institutions affected need to conduct learning at home to ensure the continuity of learning for students taking into consideration students’ capability, access and needs and teacher readiness.

Upon the consideration of the Education Minister, teachers and implementor group members are also allowed to work from home throughout the closure, while parents are advised to refer to information from official sources.

As of 3pm yesterday, 38 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy API readings with Segamat, Johor, with the highest reading at 190, followed by Seremban (186) and Nilai (185) in Negeri Sembilan, Kluang in Johor (181),  Rompin, Pahang and Johan Setia, Selangor both with readings of 178. — Bernama