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SHAH ALAM - Schools and educational institutions under the Education Ministry (MoE) will be closed if Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in their areas exceed 180, with closures also triggered when readings remain above 150 for three consecutive days.
The ministry said institutions in areas recording API readings above 180 will close from Friday.
Those located in areas where API remains above 150 for three consecutive days will be ordered to close from Monday.
Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the decision was made following a decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, concerning the health and safety of pupils amid the worsening haze.
The API readings will be based on data recorded by the Department of Environment (DoE).
During any closure, affected schools and educational institutions must implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR).
Azam said schools must ensure lessons continue through suitable methods, taking into account pupils' capabilities, access and needs, as well as teachers' readiness.
Teachers and support staff will also be allowed to work from home throughout the closure period, following consideration by the Education Minister.
Meanwhile, state education departments, district education offices and MoE institutions have been directed to continuously monitor API readings and take appropriate action once the stipulated thresholds are reached.
The measures are intended to reduce pupils' and education personnel's exposure to haze and protect their health.
As of 4pm today, haze conditions in Malaysia continued to worsen today, with 38 areas recording unhealthy API readings.
Among the areas recording the highest official API readings were Segamat at 190, followed by Seremban (187), Nilai (185), Kluang (181), Rompin (178), Johan Setia (178), Putrajaya and Melaka at 174 each, and Cheras (173).
Another 30 areas recorded moderate API readings, including Kulim Hi-Tech (97), Serian District Police Headquarters (97), Alor Setar (96), Balik Pulau (95), Tawau (94), Kangar (92) and Kuching (91).
Earlier today, Sultan Ibrahim called for schools in areas recording prolonged API readings between 150 and 180 to be closed.
In a statement posted on His Majesty's official Facebook page, the King expressed concern over the health and safety of schoolchildren and decreed that the Education Ministry give the matter serious attention.
