Malaysia Closes More Schools Due to Haze — Will Singapore Follow Suit?
Schools across several parts of Malaysia are facing fresh closures as worsening haze conditions push air pollution readings into unhealthy territory. The latest move has raised questions about whether Singapore could also see school disruptions if the regional haze situation deteriorates further.
Malaysia’s Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya would close on 13 October 2026. The decision came just a day after schools in these areas resumed normal operations following an improvement in air quality over the weekend.
The closures also affect schools in several districts of Selangor and Pahang, while Johor has extended its statewide school closures until 16 October. Schools in other parts of Malaysia are scheduled to operate as usual, although outdoor activities are to be monitored according to local air quality conditions.
Malaysia’s Haze Situation Worsens Again
The latest closures came after air pollution readings improved for three consecutive days in some affected areas, allowing students to return to classrooms on 12 October. However, the improvement was short-lived as pollution levels rose again.
According to reports by Malaysian media, 22 of the country’s 68 air quality monitoring stations recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on 12 October. The unhealthy range under Malaysia’s API system is between 101 and 200.
Johor recorded particularly concerning readings, with eight monitoring stations reporting unhealthy air quality. Kota Tinggi registered the country’s highest reading of 170, while Putrajaya reached 146.
The renewed deterioration prompted the authorities to introduce further school closures to protect students and school staff from prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Will Singapore Schools Close Too?
With Malaysia taking additional measures, parents in Singapore may be wondering whether local schools could follow the same approach if the haze worsens across the region.
However, school closures in Malaysia do not automatically trigger similar measures in Singapore. Decisions would depend on local air quality conditions, the health risks involved and guidance issued by the relevant Singapore authorities.
Singapore monitors air quality through the National Environment Agency (NEA), which provides updates on the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and health advisories. These readings help residents understand the potential health effects of haze and determine whether outdoor activities should be reduced.
There is no confirmation in the information provided that Singapore schools will be closed because of the current haze situation. Parents should refer to official announcements from Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) and NEA for the latest instructions rather than assume that Malaysia’s measures will be replicated locally.
What Should Parents and Students Watch For?
If haze levels rise in Singapore, parents should pay attention to official air quality updates and any school-specific instructions. Children with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air and could require additional precautions.
When air quality deteriorates, reducing strenuous outdoor activities and spending more time indoors may help limit exposure. Residents should also follow health advisories on the use of face masks and other protective measures where appropriate.
For now, the latest developments in Malaysia serve as a reminder that haze conditions can change quickly, even after several days of improvement.
Whether Singapore introduces additional precautions will depend on the situation here and the guidance issued by local authorities.
As the haze situation develops, the key question for Singaporean parents is whether local air quality will deteriorate enough to warrant further restrictions on school activities. Until official announcements are made, schools should not be assumed to be closing.