Malaysia shuts schools as haze from Indonesian fires chokes Southeast Asia
Summary
Malaysia closed schools in several areas because smoke from forest fires in Indonesia caused unhealthy air quality. The haze affected millions of people and raised health concerns in Malaysia and nearby Singapore. Malaysian leaders have urged cooperation with Indonesia to address the problem and are taking steps like cloud seeding to bring rain.Key Facts
- Malaysia closed schools in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and several states due to high air pollution from Indonesian fires.
- About two million students were affected by the school closures.
- Kuala Lumpur’s Air Pollutant Index (API) reached around 170, which is considered unhealthy.
- Singapore experienced “very unhealthy” air quality levels from the same haze.
- Indonesian fires have burned at least 200,000 hectares across six provinces, causing severe haze.
- Indonesia’s health ministry recorded over 170,000 people with respiratory infections linked to the haze.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto about steps to address the fires.
- Malaysia is using cloud seeding, a method to encourage rain, to help clear the haze.
- Officials say schools should close when API levels reach 150 or more to protect vulnerable groups.
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