PETALING JAYA: All state Education Departments (JPN), district Education Offices (PPD) and educational institutions under the Education Ministry have been told to take immediate steps if the haze worsens in their area.
The Education Ministry said they should implement the preventive measures listed in the ministry's Circular No. 5 of 2016: School Preparations Regarding the Welfare, Health and Safety of Students During Prolonged Hot and Dry Weather and Circular No. 1 of 2019: Measures by the Ministry of Education Malaysia to Ensure the Health and Safety of Students in Schools Located in Areas Affected by Critical Haze Conditions.
Among the measures listed are:
1. Immediately close all schools located in areas or districts where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 200;
2. Postpone all outdoor activities if the weather is excessively hot and hazy;
3. Monitor activities that could expose students to hot weather and haze to ensure their health is not compromised;
4. Suspend all outdoor student activities in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 100;
5. Ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water at educational institutions under the ministry and encourage students to bring their own drinking water;
6. Advise and encourage students to consume sufficient amounts of water to regulate body temperature;
7. Provide drinking water to boarding students in critical situations where no other source of drinking water is available; and
8. Remain vigilant and collaborate with nearby clinics and hospitals should any health complications arise among students due to the haze and hot weather.
The ministry also said that educational institutions which close due to the haze need to implement home-based teaching and learning based on the suitability and current guidelines, taking into account the safety, health and well-being of the students.
"The ministry consistently monitors and prioritises the welfare, health and safety of students, particularly when facing unexpected haze conditions.
"The haze affecting the country has also caused API readings in several locations to reach unhealthy levels," it said in a statement today (Oct 7).
The ministry also said JPNs and PPDs and its educational institutions should obtain the latest status via the Environment Department's website at https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/main to safeguard the health of students and the educational community.
