JOHOR BARU: Schools in Johor will reopen today with haze-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place, as several districts continue to record unhealthy air quality.
State education and information committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali (pic) said district education offices would closely monitor hourly air pollutant index (API) readings and take appropriate action based on the latest conditions.
“The SOPs will be implemented to ensure the health and learning of students are not disrupted, especially as many districts in Johor are still recording unhealthy air quality,” he said here yesterday.
Dr Muhammad Naqib said outdoor activities, including physical education and sports, would not be allowed when air quality conditions were deemed unsuitable, in line with measures already issued to schools.
He also advised parents to ensure their children wear face masks when outdoors as an additional precaution.
Dr Muhammad Naqib urged parents to regularly check the latest air quality readings rather than relying solely on visible haze, as conditions could change throughout the day.
He also advised parents to ensure their children bring sufficient drinking water to school amid the hot and dry weather.
“Parents are advised to ensure their children bring sufficient water as, apart from the haze, we are also facing the El Nino season,” he said.
He added that schools in areas where the API reading exceeds200 would be closed in accordance with the prevailing procedures.
The Education Ministry previously directed educational institutions to suspend outdoor activities, including gatherings and outdoor sports, in areas where the API exceeded 100.
