Education Ministry: Close schools if API is above 200

Low visibility: The air quality in Klang has hit unhealthy levels due to haze. — KK SHAM/The Star

PETALING JAYA: State Educa­tion Departments, District Educa­tion Offices and educational ­institutions under the Education Minis­try have been told to take immediate steps if the haze wor­sens in their area.

The ministry said schools should implement the preventive measures listed in past circulars regarding preparations for hot and dry weather, as well as steps for areas critically affected by haze.

Among the measures listed:

• Close schools immediately in areas or districts where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 200;

• Suspend outdoor activities in areas where the API reading exceeds 100;

• Ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water and encou­rage students to bring their own;

• Provide drinking water to boarding school students during critical shortages; and

• Collaborate with nearby ­clinics and hospitals if any health complications arise.

The ministry also said that educational institutions which close due to the haze need to implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) based on current guidelines, taking into account the safety, health and well-being of the students.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the welfare, health and safety of students were a ­priority, particularly during unexpected haze conditions.

Acknowledging that the haze had caused API readings in seve­ral locations to reach unhealthy levels, the ministry said the state departments, district offices and educational institutions should obtain the latest air quality status via the Department of Environ­ment’s website.

As for the Higher Education Ministry, it said that higher education institutions in areas recor­ding API readings above 201 are given the autonomy to determine the appropriate modes of teaching and learning.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said it had directed such institutions under its purview to monitor API readings in their respective localities.

“Outdoor activities should also be assessed and adjusted based on the latest API readings,” it said.

The ministry also said that it would continue to monitor the situation and adjust the operatio­nal approach of these institutions.