Selangor will close schools, kindergartens, and childcare centres if the Air Pollution Index (API) reading exceeds 200 amid worsening haze.
PETALING JAYA: Schools, kindergartens and childcare centres across Selangor will be closed if the Air Pollution Index (API) reading rises above 200, said state Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
She said the Selangor Education Department would continue monitoring air quality readings and take the necessary measures based on pollution levels and existing regulations.
“For the education sector, schools, kindergartens and childcare centres must comply with the regulations in force based on the API readings.
“If the API reading exceeds 200, the closure of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres will be implemented accordingly,” she said in a statement today.
Jamaliah also urged schools to place the health and safety of students at the forefront of their operations throughout the haze.
She said the state government had stepped up preparations among relevant agencies following an increase in API readings at several locations in Selangor since this morning.
As of 11am, six areas had recorded unhealthy air quality readings: Johan Setia at 180, Shah Alam at 168, Petaling Jaya at 157, Klang at 155, Banting at 155 and Kuala Selangor at 155.
Jamaliah also reminded the public that open burning was prohibited and warned that enforcement action would be taken against those found violating the law.
She urged members of the public to report any open-burning activities to the Department of Environment through its hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or via the DOE eComplaint application.
For fires requiring immediate assistance, the public can contact 999 or the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department at 1-800-88-994.
Jamaliah said protecting public health remained the state government’s priority amid the deteriorating air quality.
She added that the Selangor State Disaster Management Committee was prepared to provide face masks to District Disaster Management Committees for distribution to civil servants and members of the public.
Priority would be given to areas recording the highest API readings, particularly those with residents most in need, she said.
