BATU PAHAT: A total of 200 schools, kindergartens and nurseries in the Batu Pahat district have been ordered to close effective Wednesday (Oct 7).
Batu Pahat District Officer Kamalludin Jamal said that the directive has been issued following the worsening haze conditions in the district.
“Based on information reported on Tuesday (Oct 6), the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in Batu Pahat recorded 203 at 8pm,’’ he said in a statement.
Kamalludin, who also serves as the Batu Pahat District Disaster Management Committee Chairman, said the reading was at a very unhealthy level.
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He said the schools must implement Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR), if directed by the Education Ministry, the Johor Education Department or the Batu Pahat District Education Office, subject to the instructions and guidelines.
Kamalludin said they must inform parents or guardians of the PdPR implementation method, student assignments and communication channels through their official channels.
He said Batu Pahat District Disaster Management Committee, together with the relevant agencies, will continue to monitor the API readings from time to time.
“Any decision regarding the reopening of schools must be based on air quality developments and official instructions from the authorities,’’ added Kamalludin.
He reminded the public to get official updates only from the Department of Environment, Education Ministry, Johor and Batu Pahat Education Departments and Batu Pahat District Office.
“Refrain from sharing unverified information,’’ said Kamalludin.
