Haze: Schools to close for two days

ALOR SETAR: All schools in Peninsular Malaysia except for Kelantan are ordered to close for two days due to the worsening haze.   

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (pic) said the schools would be closed on Monday and Tuesday (Oct 5-6).  

"For Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak, the Education Ministry will monitor the haze hourly before deciding on the need to close schools.  

"If the haze condition deteriorates in these three states, we will also take the same measure," he announced at a press conference at SMK Seri Ampang in Jalan Kuala Kedah on Sunday. 

Screegrab of Mahdzir's Facebook posting.

Also present were Kedah Education Department director Datin Azuyah Hassan and State Education, Transportation and Housing Committee chairman Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain.

Mahdzir also said in his Facebook posting that schools in Labuan would remain open, adding that no replacement of school days were required. 

“However, PT3, STAM, SPM and SPM examinations will take place as per schedule," he said. 

The Minister clarified in another posting that the afternoon sessions for schools in Kedah, Terengganu and Johor on Sunday would continue and not cancelled following his earlier statement.