TAIPING, Aug 14 — Schools nationwide that record Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeding 200 can be closed at the discretion of principals or headmasters, based on advice from State Education Departments and District Education Offices.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the Education Ministry (MOE) has standing Circulars on haze management, including those issued in 2016, 2019, and 2023.
The education authorities will monitor haze conditions and API readings regularly, while school administrators are responsible for making decisions based on local conditions.
"If API readings exceed 100, schools must suspend outdoor activities and gatherings. Outdoor sports events should also be postponed," he told the media after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Toyo Tyre Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Perlis today.
Wong was responding to questions about several areas nationwide recording unhealthy API readings yesterday.
He added that the MOE is continuously monitoring the haze situation through the State Education Departments and District Education Offices to protect students' health and safety.
