Malaysia extends school closures as Singapore weighs action over Indonesian haze

Forest fires in Indonesia have sent smoke across borders, pushing air pollution to unhealthy levels in Malaysia and Singapore. By October 9, Malaysia had closed schools in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the country, according to Arab News.

The disruption began earlier in Johor, where schools first started closing on October 8, World News CNA reported. Government data showed 37 Malaysian areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index levels on the morning of October 9, according to World News CNA.

On October 10, pressure was growing on Malaysia to act against its own companies over alleged links to forest fires in Indonesia, the South China Morning Post reported. Those allegations added a corporate accountability question to the immediate response to polluted air.

By October 11, Johor had extended school closures through October 16 as the haze worsened, according to World News CNA.

On October 12, Malaysia Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek defended decisions made one day at a time on school closures. Some parents wanted closures announced for several consecutive days so families could make arrangements, World News CNA reported. The following day, World News CNA described parents struggling with uncertain reopening dates while trying to keep children on track for exams.

On October 14, Singapore was collecting and reviewing data while keeping its options open on prosecuting companies over the haze, according to World News CNA, citing Grace Fu. The outlet also reported that Singapore's hourly PM2.5 reading had reached its highest level since 2015, with sports facilities closing and other precautions being taken.

By October 15, thick orange smog had descended on Palangka Raya in Indonesia as nearby wildfires continued, BBC World reported. The effects extended beyond Malaysia and Singapore: Japan Times reported that East Timor had begun a three-day school closure because of the haze.

Singapore's central region recorded a 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index reading of 221 at 6am on October 15, placing it in the very unhealthy category. Readings elsewhere in the country ranged from 145 to 193, all unhealthy, according to World News CNA.

By October 16, severe haze was still disrupting daily life and businesses in Singapore as authorities introduced protective measures and Prime Minister Wong warned of action, CNBC International reported.

In Malaysia, Johor's announced closure period runs through October 16, according to World News CNA. The supplied coverage does not establish whether schools will reopen after that date.

Singapore's review of the evidence is a key pending step. Its stated position leaves prosecution against companies open, but does not establish that a case will follow, according to World News CNA.

School reopening decisions in Malaysia remain another immediate concern. Parents have sought more predictable closure announcements, while the education ministry has defended its daily approach, World News CNA reported.