Idris Jusoh: Public, private universities to monitor haze in their areas

PETALING JAYA: All public and private universities and higher learning institutes will monitor haze levels in their area and decide whether to postpone academic and non-academic activities or close the institutions.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the ministry was aware of the haze situation and its possible effects on the health and well-being of students and staff.

“The ministry is also monitoring the situation through various mechanisms, including the Air Pollutant Index from time to time,” he said in a statement.

Idris said the higher learning institutes are also required to prepare internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for the reference of their staff and students.

“The health and wellbeing of all students and staff is of the utmost priority,” he said.

About 7,000 schools in 11 states in the peninsula were closed yesterday and today.