Climate & Environment
Agong Orders School Closures in Areas with API 150‑180 Amid Haze, Anwar Contacts Prabowo on Cross‑Border Pollution
By Malaysiakini
The Yang di‑Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has ordered that schools in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) remains between 150 and 180 for extended periods be closed to protect students’ safety and health. He urged the Education Ministry to take the matter seriously and to implement measures to safeguard students, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses. The monarch also advised the public to wear face masks and limit outdoor activities. Yesterday, Johor announced a two‑day school closure after a decree by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim in response to worsening haze and air quality across the state.
According to the Environment Department’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (Apims), 38 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy API readings at 9 a.m. today. Segamat, Johor, had the highest reading at 187, followed by Nilai, Negeri Sembilan (183). Other affected locations included Johan Setia (178), Shah Alam (170), Banting (167), Klang (166), Petaling Jaya (165) and Kuala Selangor (155).
In related news, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had personally contacted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss cross‑border air pollution. Anwar reported that Prabowo agreed to take the necessary steps to address the issue. Speaking after inspecting preparations for the Budget 2027 tabling at the Finance Ministry in Putrajaya, Anwar noted that Malaysia is ready to assist Indonesia in tackling the haze. He added that the air force and relevant agencies have increased cloud‑seeding operations almost daily, though the situation remains concerning.
Anwar also instructed Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup to engage their Indonesian counterparts. Mohamad was tasked with requesting the ASEAN Secretariat to convene an urgent meeting of regional environment ministers.