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SCHOOLS in Penang will be ordered to close and switch to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200, said State Education Director Dziauddin Mat Saad.
He said his department has been closely monitoring API readings every two hours since August 13 through the Penang State Education Department’s 'War Room' and, as at 7 am today, all four API monitoring stations in the state recorded readings exceeding 160.
“If readings remain below 200, we will immediately halt all outdoor activities. Decisions will be made based on the specific station areas, and the District Education Office (PPD) will notify the relevant principals or headmasters,” he said
Addressing concerns about last-minute notifications, Dziauddin assured that any decision regarding school closures would be announced no later than 8 pm.
“I will observe the trend of the API readings and the rate of increase before making a decision later this evening or tonight.
“This is crucial to allow schools and canteen operators to make necessary preparations regarding food and other matters,” he stated.
He added that specific school closure actions would depend on the readings from the respective area stations, affecting a total of 398 schools and 237,000 students across Penang.
He said pupils could be allowed to stay home if their absence was related to health concerns arising from air quality.
"No reports had been received so far regarding students suffering from critical health issues due to the haze.
"However, the State Education Department had already granted flexibility to any students experiencing respiratory problems," he said. – September 16, 2026
