PETALING JAYA: The National Disaster Management Agency has urged all State Disaster Management Committees to step up haze management actions through regular coordination meetings, continuous air quality monitoring, and prompt measures by relevant agencies to protect public health and safety, particularly school students.
This directive follows a High-Level Committee (HLC) meeting on National Disaster Management chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on September 16, 2026, in Kuching, Sarawak. It was further reinforced by an inter-agency discussion on October 13, 2026, involving the agency, the National Security Council, the Education Ministry, the Health Ministry, and the Environment Department to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
The coordination emphasises each agency's responsibility to act within its jurisdiction while prioritising student safety and health without causing prolonged disruptions to education. However, any decisions regarding school operations remain subject to Education Ministry guidelines and ongoing situational assessments.
The agency, in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 5), stated that it will continue enhancing information sharing, particularly regarding air quality data, weather developments, and health advisories, to support relevant authorities and ensure orderly field operations. Agency actions will be guided by the National Haze Action Plan, factoring in Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, weather conditions, open burning risks, and public health threats.
State Disaster Management Committees are required to monitor conditions continuously, coordinate agency responses, and ensure adequate personnel, equipment, and resources are deployed in affected areas. If conditions worsen, Disaster Operations Control Centres must be activated to accelerate coordination and assistance for impacted residents.
The public has been advised to limit outdoor activities when air quality drops, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory conditions, and to monitor official announcements from the Education Ministry and schools regarding operational changes.
Citizens are also urged to rely on official channels for accurate information and avoid spreading unverified news on social media. Official updates can be tracked through the Environment Department for the latest air pollutant index at https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/main, the Malaysian Meteorological Department for the latest weather report at https://www.met.gov.my, and the Health Ministry for the latest health guidelines at https://www.moh.gov.my.
