SHAH ALAM, Oct 8 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has advised schools to close in areas with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings above 150, as transboundary haze continues to affect major parts of the country.
In a Facebook post today, the Agong expressed concern over students’ health and safety, and urged the Education Ministry to take the matter seriously.
“Appropriate measures must be taken by the relevant ministries and agencies to protect students and pupils, including the elderly and patients (with respiratory disease).
“Always take precautions to protect your health, including by wearing face masks and limiting outdoor activity,” His Majesty told the Royal Press Office.
Sultan Ibrahim’s call comes as dozens of areas nationwide log unhealthy API readings following forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia.
Yesterday, schools in Johor were ordered shut until tomorrow following a directive from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, as a precaution to safeguard students’ health and safety, involving 617,258 students, said Johor state executive councillor for education and information Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali.
During these two days, lessons will be conducted online, while the Year 4 Learning Matrix (MPT4) and other assessments will be rescheduled.
