The transboundary haze that has lingered over Southeast Asia intensified in early October, prompting authorities in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor to take drastic action.

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim ordered all schools in the state to close on Oct. 8 and 9.

The closure affected 617,258 students at 1,198 schools, according to Malay Mail.

Muhammad Naqib urged parents to limit outdoor activities and seek medical attention for cough, sore throat or breathing difficulties.

In Batu Pahat district, the Air Pollutant Index reached 208 (very unhealthy) before easing to 197, highlighting the severe air quality in the region.

The haze comes from fires on Indonesia’s Sumatra and Borneo islands, fueled by hot, dry El Niño conditions and land‑clearing.

By the morning of Oct. 8, 38 of Malaysia’s 68 monitoring stations recorded unhealthy readings, including all eight stations in Johor, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.

Meteorologists expect an inter‑monsoon beginning Oct. 9 that could bring thunderstorms and heavy rain, potentially easing the haze in the coming days.