Face-to-Face Learning Resumes In Stages Across Johor Following Haze Closure

​BATU PAHAT, Oct 26  – Face-to-face classes across Johor resumed in stages on Monday, October 26, 2026, ending a 10-day physical school suspension triggered by severe regional haze.

The phased reopening aligns with improving air quality across the state. Data from the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) confirmed that no monitoring stations in Johor registered unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels as of 8:00 AM on Monday.

State Education and Information Committee Chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali explained that the first reopening phase on Monday and Tuesday (October 26–27) prioritizes students sitting for scheduled year-end examinations.

Subject to prevailing atmospheric conditions, phase two will take effect on Wednesday, October 28, when all educational institutions statewide resume normal operational schedules.

The 10-day haze-related shutdown impacted more than 1,000 schools and affected approximately 600,000 students statewide.

Phased Reopening Timelines, Student Reactions, and Examination Schedules

Key operational details, parent and student perspectives, and examination protocols include:

• Two-Phase Reopening Plan: Phase one (October 26–27) caters exclusively to students taking essential examinations, while phase two (starting October 28) brings all remaining students back to classrooms.
• National & Institutional Examinations: Returning secondary students in Form Five began sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Bahasa Melayu oral test (UBBM), Form One students took the End-of-Academic-Session Assessment (UASA), and Form Four students commenced year-end examinations.
• Student & Parent Relief: Primary students expressed enthusiasm over transitioning out of Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR), citing superior classroom focus, direct teacher engagement, and freedom from home internet constraints.
• Precautionary Health Measures: Parents and school authorities continue to enforce safety precautions, including packing N95 or surgical face masks in student bags and monitoring daily APIMS pollution trends.

–NMT