PETALING JAYA — All schools in Malaysia’s Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan states will remain closed on Oct 14 as haze continues to affect air quality, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced. The closure also covers schools in Hulu Langat and Sepang in Selangor; Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang; Tawau in Sabah; and Serian, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu in Sarawak.
During the shutdown, home-based teaching and learning will be implemented, while teachers and support staff may work from home. Schools in all other states and districts will operate as usual.
The Sarawak education department said the decision was based on air pollutant index readings at 2 pm, with Lubok Antu at 179, Sri Aman at 164 and Serian at 155 — all above the unhealthy threshold. Headmasters and principals in nearby districts may introduce home-based learning if readings exceed 150, and can reopen schools once air quality falls below that level.
Scheduled assessments, including the Special School Entry Assessment, Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia and Sarawak’s Dual Language Programme evaluation, will proceed as planned. The department said further instructions would be issued through its official channels.