OCTOBER 16 — The transboundary haze crisis has once again disrupted children’s lives, triggering school closures across several parts of Malaysia.

For two weeks, many children have awakened to grey skies and closed school gates as deteriorating air quality interrupts learning and daily routines.

Under the Ministry of Education’s latest directives on October 14, schools must close when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 200, while outdoor activities must be suspended when readings reach 100 or above.

Conditions remain volatile, with Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Sarawak experiencing, or having recently experienced, school closures.