KUALA LUMPUR: Any decision to close schools due to the ongoing haze will be made jointly by the Education, Health, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministries, says Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said joint decisions would rely on air quality data and health assessments to prioritise student safety.
She noted that authorities must also weigh potential learning loss if closures are prolonged.
“These three ministries meet regularly to make informed decisions based on technical expertise.
“We hope the haze does not persist, as we recognise the disruption prolonged closures cause,” said Fadhlina.
“It requires a balanced approach guided by expert advice,” she said after launching an anti-bullying literacy programme, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, 25 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels as of 6pm yesterday, with Batu Muda in Kuala Lumpur topping the chart at 173.
According to the Department of Environment’s APIMS portal, five stations in Selangor breached unhealthy levels: Johan Setia (171), Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam (169 each), Klang (164), and Banting (162).
Elsewhere in the Federal Territories, Cheras hit 168 and Putrajaya reached 163.
Seven stations in Johor logged unhealthy air, led by Larkin (159), Pasir Gudang (156), and Kota Tinggi (156).
In Negri Sembilan, Nilai registered 165, Seremban 160, and Port Dickson 154. Melaka saw Bukit Rambai hit 166, with Alor Gajah and Bandaraya Melaka tied at 157.
In Perak, Tasek Ipoh recorded 154, Pegoh Ipoh 135, and Tanjung Malim 112, while Paka in Terengganu posted 155.
A total of 35 areas recorded moderate API readings, while eight recorded good readings.
API readings of zero to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 hazardous.
