Malaysia Closes Schools as Indonesian Wildfire Haze Pushes Air Pollution to Unhealthy Levels

Malaysia Closes Schools as Indonesian Wildfire Haze Pushes Air Pollution to Unhealthy Levels
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Malaysia closed schools in Kuala Lumpur and several states on Friday, October 9, as smoke from Indonesian forest fires spread across Southeast Asia, pushing air pollution to unhealthy levels and affecting approximately two million students.

The closures covered Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital Putrajaya, and the states of Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Selangor. Kuala Lumpur recorded an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of around 170, above the threshold classified as unhealthy under Malaysian guidelines.

Singapore also experienced deteriorating air quality, with readings entering the “very unhealthy” range, according to air-quality monitoring service IQAir.

The regional haze follows a severe wildfire season in Indonesia, where fires have burned across six provinces and reportedly scorched at least 200,000 hectares. Authorities have linked the increased fire risk to dry-season conditions associated with El Niño. Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has recorded more than 170,000 respiratory infections, although the actual number may be higher because the figures cover people who sought medical treatment.

The smoke has also raised concerns in Singapore ahead of its Formula One Grand Prix weekend. Organisers said the race would proceed as planned, with masks and additional medical personnel available if needed.