SHAH ALAM, Sept 15 - Face masks will be distributed for free to students as the haze is set to persist until next month, depending on the monsoon transition season, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the Selangor government is procuring face masks to ensure children’s safety at school.
“We will look into how quickly we can buy these face masks. I also think it is time we stop outdoor activities for students for their health.
“I will soon call on certain parties including the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) for discussions. The haze yesterday, two days ago was quite okay because it rained, so we will see how these few days go,” he added when met after a town hall held in conjunction with Malaysia Day at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic here today.
As of 9pm, six areas in Selangor had unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Johan Setia logging the highest reading statewide and nationwide at 188.
This month, state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the Selangor government is ready to distribute face masks through District Disaster Management Committees in areas with the highest API readings, for civil servants and the public, especially vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the Penilaian Sekolah Rendah Agama (PSRA) exam, managed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and scheduled for next week, could be postponed if the haze worsens.
He said the state will monitor API readings and obtain reports from MetMalaysia before making its decision.
“If the API reading reaches 200, we close the schools. If it reaches 300, we will request (to declare) an emergency. Before the readings reach 200, we will also ask schools to stop (outdoor) activities or advise parents to take their children home,” he added.
According to the JAIS portal, the PSRA will take place from September 21 to 25.
