Malaysia shuts schools as haze worsens

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 4:

Malaysian authorities on Sunday ordered schools to remain closed for two days due to health risks posed by the worsening haze from Indonesian forest fires.

Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said all schools in Peninsular Malaysia except Kelantan state would be closed on Monday and Tuesday, The Malaysian Star reported.

“For Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak, the education ministry will monitor the haze hourly before deciding on the need to close schools,” he said.

“If the haze condition deteriorates in these three states, we will also take the same measure,” he announced.

The constant haze condition in Malaysia, Singapore and large portions of Indonesia has sparked health issues, affecting flights and the closure of numerous schools and colleges.

The haze is being caused by the forest fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra and Borneo islands. (IANS)