Haze: All Batu Pahat schools, nurseries ordered closed as API hits very unhealthy level

BATU PAHAT - All schools, kindergartens and childcare centres across the Batu Pahat district have been ordered to close from Wednesday, after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeded 200, reaching the "very unhealthy” level.

In a statement last night, the Batu Pahat District Disaster Management Committee said the district’s API reading reached 203 as of 8pm.

It said the closures were ordered under the National Haze Action Plan and Ministry of Education (MOE) guidelines to safeguard students' and school staff's health and safety.

"Schools must conduct home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) if instructed to do so by the MOE, the Johor Education Department (JPNJ) or the Batu Pahat District Education Office (PPD), subject to the applicable directives and guidelines.

"Schools must also inform parents or guardians of the arrangements for the PdPR, students’ assignments and communication channels through the schools’ official channels,” it said.

According to the statement, any decision on reopening the schools will be based on the latest air quality readings and directives from the authorities.

The committee also advised the public to obtain information through the official channels of the Department of Environment, MOE, JPNJ, Batu Pahat PPD and Batu Pahat District Office, and to avoid sharing unverified information. - BERNAMA