PUTRAJAYA (Oct 8): All educational institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE) in areas recording air pollutant index (API) readings above 180, based on Department of Environment (DOE) readings, must be closed from Friday, Oct 9, amid the haze currently affecting the country.

Education director general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said that educational institutions in areas recording API readings above 150 continuously for three consecutive days must also be closed from Monday, Oct 12.

He said the closures are aimed at protecting students and education personnel from exposure to haze that could affect their health, in line with the decree of the King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

“The MOE expresses its appreciation for His Majesty's concern and decree regarding the safety and health of students following the haze situation affecting the country.

"State education departments, district education offices and educational institutions under the MOE must continuously monitor API readings and take appropriate action when they exceed the specified thresholds,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Mohd Azam said affected schools and educational institutions under the MOE are required to implement home-based teaching and learning.

He said during the period, schools must ensure the continuity of students’ teaching and learning through appropriate methods, taking into account their capabilities, access and needs, as well as teachers’ readiness.

“Based on the consideration of the education minister, teachers and members of the support staff group are also allowed to work from home throughout the closure period,” he said.

He said the MOE would continue to monitor the situation and seek advice from the Health Ministry and relevant agencies to ensure the safety, health and well-being of students and education personnel, in accordance with the King's decree.

As of 3pm on Thursday, 38 areas in Peninsular Malaysia recorded unhealthy air quality.

Based on DOE records, Segamat in Johor recorded the highest API reading at 190, followed by Seremban and Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, with readings of 186 and 185 respectively.

Other areas recording high readings were Kluang, Johor (181), as well as Rompin (Pahang) and Johan Setia in Selangor, each reaching 178.

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King decrees priority for student safety, calls for school closure amid worsening haze

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