Schools, kindergartens and nurseries across Batu Pahat will be temporarily closed tomorrow as worsening haze pushed the district’s Air Pollutant Index (API) into the “very unhealthy” range.
The Batu Pahat disaster management committee announced the decision after the API reading hit 203 at 8pm, crossing the 201 mark for the very unhealthy category.
The closure follows the National Haze Action Plan and Education Ministry guidelines, with authorities saying the reopening of schools will depend on air quality and further official directives.
Students may switch to home-based learning
If instructed by the Education Ministry, Johor Education Department or Batu Pahat District Education Office, schools may conduct home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) during the closure.
Schools have also been told to inform parents or guardians through their official channels about how PdPR will be carried out, including assignments and communication methods.
Earlier at 5pm, Batu Pahat recorded an API reading of 196, making it the worst-affected area in Johor at the time. Other areas also recorded unhealthy readings, including Segamat, Pasir Gudang and Tangkak at 171, followed by Kluang at 168, Larkin at 166, Kota Tinggi at 162 and Pengerang at 160.
Under Malaysia’s API classification, readings from 101 to 200 are considered unhealthy, while 201 to 300 are classified as very unhealthy. Readings above 300 are considered hazardous.
Follow Wah Piang for more
