Malaysia schools shut after kids fall ill

Muhammad SYUKRI / AFP

Nearly 500 schools and kindergartens in Malaysia have been ordered to close until Thursday after many students complained of breathing difficulties and vomiting.

It's the second such incident this year, where students have been hospitalised with symptoms suggesting they breathed toxic fumes, possibly from waste dumped by factories.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has vowed to take tough action against those responsible for it.

"It seems like there are factories that are not very concerned about safety and thus, causing the incident to recur," he said. "That is why we have to identify those responsible for causing the pollution and take stern action."

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Score

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    Hosted by Chris McHardy, The Score is your comprehensive guide to the world of sport.

  • The Music Mix

    9:00pm - 11:00pm

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!