TAIPING (Nov 11): All educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) in the Kinta Utara, Kinta Selatan and Kuala Kangsar district education offices, which were closed last Friday, will reopen on Monday.

State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah said this followed air pollutant index (API) readings at all monitoring stations in the state remaining below 150 as of 2pm on Sunday.

"I see the weather today is better than it was two or three days ago, and we hope it will continue to improve and not disrupt the children's learning in school," he told reporters after the Kembara Kampung Angkat Madani Bendang Siam Taiping 2026 Programme at Kampung Batu 8, Bendang Siam here on Sunday.

Khairudin also urged all parties not to spread fake news regarding school closures in the state, as only the State Education Department would issue official information. 

Meanwhile, Perak State Education director Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar said in a statement that the safety, health and welfare of students and all members of the educational community must remain a priority.

He said all district education offices must ensure the reopening directive is conveyed to all schools and educational institutions under their administration for further action.

"Parents and guardians are advised to refer to the official channels of JPN Perak for the latest information on school operations and any changes to directives following the haze situation," he said.

On Friday, Zulkafli was reported as saying that all educational institutions under the MOE in the affected areas were closed with immediate effect after the API at the Tasek Ipoh monitoring station recorded an unhealthy reading of 180.

He said schools must implement home-based teaching and learning to ensure continuity of student learning, taking into account students' capabilities, access and needs and teachers' preparedness.

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