MALAYSIA SHUTS SCHOOLS AS INDONESIAN WILDFIRE HAZE AFFECTS MORE THAN 2 MILLION STUDENTS

Malaysia on Friday closed schools in several states and federal territories following a worsening haze situation caused by wildfires in neighbouring Indonesia, forcing more than two million students to stay at home.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced the closures across Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, as well as the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and the Rompin district of Pahang.

According to Bloomberg statistics, the closures affected more than two million students as toxic haze spread from Indonesia, blanketing parts of the region and raising concerns about public health.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the worsening situation as a major concern, particularly because of its potential impact on the health of the population.

“The worsening haze situation is highly concerning, particularly its impact on public health,” Anwar said.

He added that his government was intensifying efforts to address the problem, including through cloud-seeding operations aimed at improving conditions.

Last month, Malaysia carried out a three-day cloud-seeding operation in the eastern state of Sarawak to replenish dam water levels and help ease the haze. Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo, shares a land border with Indonesia.

Malaysia has also sought approval from Jakarta to conduct cloud-seeding operations using Indonesian airspace as authorities on both sides work to tackle the haze linked to forest and land fires.

Anwar said he had spoken with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto about the situation, with both leaders agreeing that Indonesia would be offered support in addressing the problem.

The haze has been linked to widespread fires in Indonesia. According to the country's Forest Ministry, nearly 95,000 hectares of land burned in July alone, while approximately 202,000 hectares had been affected by fires nationwide by the end of that month.

The fires have also raised public health concerns in Indonesia. Authorities have recorded around 175,000 cases of acute respiratory infections since August in areas affected by forest and land fires.

The effects of the haze extend beyond Malaysia and Indonesia, with neighbouring countries also facing potential disruptions.

In Singapore, organisers are preparing to host the Formula One race over the weekend despite the haze. They have said the event will proceed as scheduled and will not be delayed because of the conditions.

The school closures in Malaysia highlight the wider regional consequences of recurring forest and land fires in Southeast Asia, as authorities continue efforts to contain the fires and reduce the health risks associated with the resulting haze.