KUALA LUMPUR: All educational institutions under the Education Ministry in Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Selangor, Perak and Putrajaya will operate as usual on Friday (Oct 16).
In separate statements on Thursday (Oct 15), the State Education Departments in the four states and the Putrajaya Federal Territory Education Department encouraged all pupils, teachers, support staff and school personnel to wear face masks.
The statements noted that parents and guardians concerned about the health effects of the haze on their children are permitted to keep them at home, provided they notify the school of the absence.
In Negri Sembilan, the State Education Department said all outdoor activities - including physical education, co-curricular and sports activities, camps, celebrations, assemblies, and open-hall events - must cease if the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 100.
The department added that any decision to close educational institutions due to the haze remains subject to ministry criteria and guidelines based on API readings and prevailing conditions.
Over in Perak, schools will operate as usual on Friday but parents may choose to keep their children at home if they are concerned about their health amid the current haze.
The Perak State Education Department said parents or guardians must inform the school if their children will be absent.
Students who attend school are also encouraged to wear face masks as a precaution, the department said.
Meanwhile, in Pahang, Selangor, and Putrajaya, the respective state education departments and the Federal Territory Education Department said all outdoor activities have been suspended due to the haze.
Parents and guardians are also advised to obtain updates through official communication channels.
Earlier, a total of 34 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy air quality as at 10am on Thursday, with Klang and Johan Setia in Selangor registering the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 192. — Bernama
