A TOTAL of 1,484 schools have been closed nationwide due to worsening air quality, said the Education Ministry.

The closure affects more than a miliion students.

Selangor is the worst-affected state, with 538 schools closed, followed by Sarawak (337) and Perak (303).

The closure has been ordered based on air pollutant index readings at 1pm.

Earlier today, 66 schools in Kuala Lumpur were ordered to close after the air pollutant index (API) crossed the very unhealthy mark of 200 points in the Klang Valley.

Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Education Department said the schools affected are within a 5km radius of Petaling Jaya.

“As a precaution, the department has decided to close the schools as the air quality in the Klang Valley worsened.

“The department will inform the public on the latest development from time to time,” the statement said.

Earlier this morning, Selangor ordered the closure of 538 schools due to the air quality reaching very unhealthy levels.

The Selangor Education Department said 10 districts are registering above 200 points on the API. – September 18, 2019.