BATU PAHAT, Oct 6 — Schools, preschools and childcare centres here have been ordered to close from tomorrow as the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading reached a very unhealthy level, said the Batu Pahat District Disaster Management Committee.
At 10pm, the area’s API reading was 211.
In a statement today, it said the closures were ordered under the National Haze Action Plan and Education Ministry (MOE) guidelines to protect students’ and school staff’s health and safety.
“Schools must conduct home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) if instructed to do so by the MOE, the Johor Education Department (JPNJ), or the Batu Pahat District Education Office (PPD), subject to the applicable directives and guidelines.
“Schools must also inform parents or guardians of the arrangements for the PdPR, students’ assignments, and communication channels through the schools’ official channels,” it said.
According to the statement, schools will only reopen if directed by authorities and if the air quality improves.
The committee advised the public to obtain updates through official channels of the Environment Department (DOE), MOE, JPNJ, Batu Pahat PPD, and Batu Pahat District Office, and to avoid sharing unverified information.
