The Education Ministry has instructed schools in areas where the API exceeds 180 to close starting Friday, Oct 9, switching to PdPR.
PETALING JAYA: Schools and other educational institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE) in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 180 will be closed from Friday (Oct 9) to protect students and education personnel from health risks posed by the haze.
Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said institutions in areas recording API readings above 150 continuously for three consecutive days would also be closed from Monday (Oct 12).
“All educational institutions under the Education Ministry in areas recording API readings exceeding 180, based on readings by the Department of Environment (DOE), must be closed from Friday, Oct 9, 2026,” he said in a statement today.
“For areas recording API readings exceeding 150 continuously for three consecutive days, the institutions must be closed from Monday, Oct 12, 2026,” he added.
The affected schools and educational institutions will be required to implement teaching and learning from home (PdPR) throughout the closure period.
Mohd Azam said schools must ensure continuity of learning through appropriate methods, taking into account students’ capabilities, access and needs, as well as teachers’ preparedness.
He added that teachers and members of the support staff (AKP) would also be allowed to work from home (BDR) throughout the closure period, subject to the Education Minister’s consideration.
He said state education departments, district education offices and educational institutions under the ministry must continuously monitor API readings and take appropriate action when readings exceed the stipulated levels.
“The ministry will continue to monitor developments from time to time and seek advice from the Health Ministry and relevant agencies to ensure the safety, health and welfare of students and education personnel are protected, in line with the decree of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
Mohd Azam said the ministry also expressed its appreciation to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim for his concern and decree regarding the safety and health of students amid the haze situation affecting the country.
