Malaysia shuts schools as haze from Indonesian fires chokes Southeast Asia

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Published: 2026-10-09T15:10:32.671Z • Permanent link

Malaysia's government has announced the closure of all schools nationwide due to the severe haze caused by Indonesian forest fires. The decision was made after the Malaysian Meteorological Department reported a haze alert level of 7, which is the highest level of warning. The closure is expected to affect over 4 million students, who will be unable to attend classes until the air quality improves.

According to the Malaysian Department of Environment, the haze is caused by the burning of forests in Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of Sumatra and Kalimantan. The fires have been burning since July, and the situation has worsened in recent days due to strong winds and dry weather conditions. The Indonesian government has launched a series of efforts to combat the fires, including deploying military personnel and aircraft to fight the blazes.

Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has expressed his concern over the situation and has called for international cooperation to address the issue. He has also assured the public that the government is taking all necessary measures to mitigate the effects of the haze and to protect public health.

The haze crisis in Malaysia has significant implications for the country's economy and infrastructure. The closure of schools will not only affect the education sector but also impact the tourism industry, which is a major contributor to Malaysia's GDP. The haze has also caused respiratory problems for many people, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.

Several companies, including those in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, have expressed concerns over the impact of the haze on their operations. For example, the Malaysian Manufacturing Federation has warned that the haze could lead to a decline in production and exports. The government has assured the public that it is taking measures to minimize the impact on the economy, but the situation remains uncertain.

The haze crisis in Malaysia is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger pattern of environmental degradation in Southeast Asia, which has been exacerbated by climate change and poor governance. The region has seen a significant increase in forest fires and haze in recent years, with Indonesia being one of the worst affected countries.