JOHOR BARU: All educational institutions in Johor will resume operations tomorrow after more than two weeks of closure due to the haze, says Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali.
The state education and information committee chairman said the decision was made after considering the latest haze conditions and assessments by relevant agencies at a Johor state disaster management committee meeting.
“The decision takes into account the downward trend in Air Pollutant Index (API) readings across Johor over the past five days.
“Changes in wind direction, beginning Oct 24, increased humidity and expected rainfall is also anticipated to help reduce the effects of the haze,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that the Johor Health Department had also conducted a health risk assessment to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school staff.
“The reopening also takes into account the need to conduct year-end examinations and preparations for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM),” he said.
Muhammad Naqib added that the state Education Department would coordinate the implementation of health and safety standard operating procedures.
“These include wearing face masks and monitoring school activities based on current API readings and prevailing guidelines.
“The state government and relevant agencies will continue to closely monitor the haze situation, and any changes or further action will be announced through official channels,” he said.
The closures were initially imposed on Oct 7 and 8 before being extended to Oct 12-16 and subsequently to Oct 19-23.
The decision was made in deference to the decree of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who has consistently prioritised the safety, health and well-being of Johoreans.
