PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 — All education institutions including schools and childcare centres (taska) must close if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 200, said the Health Ministry (MOH).
MOH said all outdoor activity must also be halted when the API reading reaches the very unhealthy (201 to 300) to hazardous (above 300) range.
In a statement, it said co-curricular activities and outdoor exercise at education institutions, taska, and elderly care facilities should be suspended if the API reading falls between the unhealthy range of 101 to 200.
“Employers must provide N95 face masks to employees who work outdoors. Members of the public should also use N95 face masks when outdoors,” it added.
“The haze remains a public health threat that requires serious attention. Continued exposure to polluted air can adversely affect health, particularly high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart conditions,” the statement noted.
In this regard, MOH urged all parties to take precautions and comply with authorities’ directives to ensure public health.
