BATU PAHAT, Sept. 7 -- Johor will close all schools, kindergartens and childcare centres if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 200 amid worsening haze.

State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali today said several districts were already recording unhealthy readings this morning, with Segamat and Batu Pahat at 157, Tangkak at 153 and Kluang at 151.

"So, if the API reading exceeds 200, the school or learning centre will be closed," he told reporters during a working visit to SMK Suria Jaya in Parit Yaani here.

Dr Muhammad Naqib said schools were also monitoring outdoor activities during the current hot spell and haze, with the education department empowered to reduce such activities where n...