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 Ministry of Education (MOE) has standing Circulars on haze management, including those issued in 2016, 2019 and 2023.
He said 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 reporters after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Toyo Tyre Malaysia and UniMAP here today.
He was responding to questions about several areas nationwide recording unhealthy API readings yesterday.
Wong said the ministry is continuously monitoring the haze situation through the State Education Departments and District Education Offices to protect students’ health and safety.
