PETALING JAYA: Schools in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 200 must be closed immediately, while all outdoor activities involving students must be stopped when readings exceed 100, the Education Ministry said today.
The ministry said the measures were precautionary steps to safeguard the health, safety and well-being of students amid worsening haze conditions in several parts of the country.
It said all state education departments (JPN), district education offices (PPD) and educational institutions under the ministry had been directed to closely monitor haze conditions and API readings in their respective areas and take appropriate action.
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Based on the latest haze situation and API readings nationwide, the Johor Education Department (JPN Johor) has temporarily closed educational institutions under its supervision in Batu Pahat from today until conditions are deemed safe and further instructions are issued.
Following the closure, Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will be implemented where appropriate, taking into account the prevailing circumstances and the health, safety and welfare of students.
The ministry said schools and educational institutions must also postpone all outdoor activities if weather conditions were excessively hot or hazy, while monitoring activities that could expose students to the effects of haze and heat.
“For areas recording API readings above 100, all outdoor activities involving students must be stopped, including sports and gatherings.
“For areas where API readings exceed 200, all schools within the affected area or district must be closed immediately,” it said.
The ministry also instructed educational institutions to ensure adequate supplies of clean drinking water and encourage students to bring their own water.
“Students should be encouraged to drink sufficient water to regulate their body temperature, while boarding schools must provide drinking water if conditions become critical and no alternative source is available.
“Schools have also been advised to remain vigilant and work with nearby clinics and hospitals if students experience any health complications arising from haze or hot weather,” it said.
The ministry said JPNs, PPDs and educational institutions should continuously monitor API readings and the latest haze situation through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System.
It also reminded schools to refer to existing ministry circulars outlining measures to protect students’ health and safety during prolonged hot and dry weather and critical haze conditions.
The ministry stressed that the health, safety and well-being of students and education personnel would remain a priority, particularly as haze conditions continued to affect several locations.
