Malaysia air pollution: Schools shut after illness hits children

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – More than 400 schools in the Malaysian state of Johor are closed after 75 students experienced breathing difficulties and vomiting.

Schools in the industrial area of Pasir Gudang have been shut until Thursday as authorities investigate the latest air pollution incident to hit the state.

In March about 4,000 people – mostly children – fell ill after chemical waste was illegally dumped in a river.

Authorities say the incidents are not linked.

More than 100 primary and secondary schools as well as 300 private kindergartens were among those ordered to be temporarily shut this week, reported state news agency Bernama.