PETALING JAYA: All schools in Pahang will remain open today, although those in Pekan, Kuantan, Rompin, Temerloh, Maran, Bera and Bentong have been ordered by the state’s Education Department to halt outdoor activities.
However, the Johor State Education Department said all schools in the state will be closed due to the ongoing haze.
Schools which are closed are instructed to conduct their lessons via home-based teaching and learning.
Meanwhile, all schools in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Melaka, Perak and Sarawak will be operating as usual today, according to their state education department (JPN).
Outdoor activities at these schools have been suspended.
The departments said students attending school are encouraged to wear face masks as a precaution amid the current haze.
“Parents or guardians who are concerned about their children’s health may choose not to send them to school. However, they must inform the school of their children’s absence,” they said in their individual statements
JPNs also said they prioritise the safety, health and well-being of students and school staff.
“All parties are urged to stay updated on current developments and follow the authorities’ advice regarding the haze situation,” they said, adding that further updates will be communicated through the Education Ministry’s official channels and the states’ JPN.
Primary and secondary schools in Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan, as well as affected districts in Selangor, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak, were closed yesterday after unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were recorded in their respective districts.
In a separate statement yesterday, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said parents have the choice whether to send children to school, taking into account their health and safety.
She also said that while student safety remains their priority, each day in school is a valuable part of their education and development.
“I hope this coordination (regarding school operations) will provide more certainty to parents, reduce the difficulties faced and ensure that every decision to operate the school is made with the health and continuity of education of the children in mind,” she said in a Facebook post.
