Malaysia shuts schools for 2 days as smog worsens

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia has shut most schools nationwide for two days to protect children from a thick noxious haze caused by smoke from burning forests in neighboring Indonesia.

A woman wears a mask due to the haze as she sweeps the street in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. AP Photo

The air pollutant index hit the hazardous level in Shah Alam, the capital of central Selangor state, and was very unhealthy in many other areas, prompting authorities to order the closure of schools on Monday and Tuesday.

The poor visibility forced several airports to be closed for hours on Sunday. A popular annual marathon in Kuala Lumpur was also canceled.

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said Jakarta’s efforts to crack down on the sources of open burning by farmers were not enough. He said Indonesia should seek more help from its Southeast Asian neighbors to tackle the haze, which is an annual problem.