Schools close in Malaysia due to hazardous haze from Indonesian wildfires

On October 9, 2026, authorities in Malaysia ordered the closure of schools in Kuala Lumpur and several other regions due to a significant decline in air quality. The hazardous conditions are caused by thick haze drifting from ongoing wildfires in neighboring Indonesia, which has pushed local air pollution levels among the worst globally.

Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that the closures affect schools across five states and two federal territories. She instructed regional education offices to continuously monitor the situation and take immediate action if conditions deteriorate further. Acknowledging the disruption caused to parents, the Minister stated that future closure decisions would be communicated in advance to allow for better preparation.

This incident highlights a recurring environmental issue where seasonal agricultural fires in Indonesia frequently lead to transboundary haze affecting neighboring Southeast Asian nations. While the immediate focus remains on student safety and health, authorities continue to track weather patterns to determine when schools can safely reopen.