All schools and educational institutions under the Education Ministry in areas recording Air Pollutant Index (API) readings above 180 have been ordered to close from Friday, Oct 9, as worsening haze raises health concerns.
Education Director-General Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said institutions in areas where the API remains above 150 for three consecutive days must also close, with the measure taking effect from Monday, Oct 12.
He said the directive was issued to protect the health and safety of students and education personnel as haze conditions continue to affect several parts of the country.
As at 7.10pm on Thursday, three locations had API readings above 180 — Segamat in Johor at 190, Seremban in Negeri Sembilan at 189 and Nilai at 183.
Kluang in Johor recorded an API of 180, while Rompin in Pahang and Johan Setia in Selangor were both at 178, close to the threshold set by the ministry.
Other areas in Selangor remained in the unhealthy category, including Banting at 172, Shah Alam at 171, Petaling Jaya at 166 and Klang at 165.
Mohd Azam said affected schools and institutions must implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) to ensure lessons can continue during the closure period.
The implementation of PdPR should take into account students’ access, capabilities and needs, as well as teachers’ readiness.
Teachers and members of the implementation support group will also be allowed to work from home while their institutions remain closed.
State Education Departments, District Education Offices and educational institutions have been instructed to continue monitoring API readings and take the necessary action when thresholds are breached.
The ministry said it would continue to monitor haze conditions and seek advice from the Health Ministry and other relevant agencies.
