Schools in Johor will be closed if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 200, in line with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Johor Education Department (JPN).
State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said district education offices (PPD) and schools had been instructed to monitor the latest API readings and provide regular updates to parents, students and teachers.
Several districts recorded unhealthy API readings this morning, including Segamat and Batu Pahat at 157, Tangkak at 153 and Kluang at 151.
“So, we have discussed with JPN that if the reading exceeds 200, schools will be closed. PPDs and headmasters need to establish effective communication channels immediately so that the situation can be managed properly,” he told reporters after visiting Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Suria Jaya here today.
Muhammad Naqib said the state government and JPN were also monitoring outdoor activities to safeguard students amid the hot weather and haze.
“The department has prepared SOPs for outdoor activities and school closures…we are ready to implement them. We are currently experiencing hot weather, so this matter needs to be taken seriously. If necessary, we will reduce outdoor activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the state government, through JPN, planned to establish a special committee to address school infrastructure maintenance issues in Johor.
The committee would include representatives from PPDs, principals and headmasters to monitor conditions at schools and ensure urgent issues were addressed according to priority.
Muhammad Naqib also said SMK Suria Jaya, which was previously classified as a “sick project” after its construction was abandoned for 11 years, is now operating its first phase with 222 Form One to Form Three students.
