KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry (MOE) has ordered schools and educational institutions to close in areas where Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceed 180, as the haze situation continues to worsen.
The closures will take effect from Friday (Oct 9), based on API readings recorded by the Department of Environment (DOE).
The ministry said the directive was issued to safeguard students and education personnel from the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to haze, following the decree by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
“All educational institutions under the MOE in areas recording an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeding 180, based on Department of Environment (DOE) records, must be closed effective Friday, October 9, 2026,” the ministry said in a statement today.
It also said schools and educational institutions in areas where API readings exceed 150 continuously for three consecutive days must close from Monday (Oct 12).
However, lessons will continue remotely through home-based learning, or Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran di Rumah (PdPR), throughout the closure period.
“Affected schools and educational institutions under the MOE are required to conduct teaching and learning sessions from home (PdPR),” it said.
Schools have been instructed to ensure learning continues through methods appropriate to students’ abilities, access and individual needs, while taking into consideration teachers’ preparedness.
Teachers and members of the Implementing Group (AKP) may also be allowed to work from home during the closure period, subject to the Education Minister’s consideration.
“Subject to the consideration of the Minister of Education, teachers and members of the Implementing Group (AKP) are also permitted to work from home (BDR) throughout the closure period,” it added.
The MOE said State Education Departments (JPNs), District Education Offices (PPDs) and educational institutions must closely monitor API readings and take the necessary action whenever the stipulated thresholds are breached.
The ministry added that it would continue to assess the haze situation and seek regular advice from the Health Ministry and other relevant agencies.
“The MOE will continue to monitor developments and regularly seek advice from the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to ensure the safety, health and well-being of students and education personnel are protected, in accordance with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia,” it said.
The directive follows Sultan Ibrahim’s concerns over the health and safety of students amid the prolonged haze, with several areas recording unhealthy API readings.
The King had called on the authorities to put students’ health and safety first and close schools in affected areas where necessary. - October 8, 2026
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