Malacca, NS schools told to avoid outdoor activities
The Malacca Education Department will be providing face masks to all schools in the state due to the worsening haze condition, state education director Md Rashid Hussin said today.
Md Rashid said the move was necessary to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and prevent them from being exposed to respiratory problems, especially children with asthma.
He said as of 7am today, two areas in the state recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) - Bukit Rambai (127) and Malacca City (111).
Md Rashid, who visited Sekolah Kebangsaan Ayer Keroh today, said all schools in the state have been advised to avoid outdoor activities while schools will be closed if the API reaches 200.
In Negri Sembilan, the state Education Department urged schools affected by the haze to reduce or avoid outdoor activities.
State Education Department director Kalsom Khalid said a directive had been issued to schools affected by the haze in Nilai, Port Dickson and Seremban because as of 7am, unhealthy API readings were recorded in the three districts.
"If the API reaches 150, all outdoor activities must be stopped and if the API reading reaches 200, schools will be closed," Kalsom said.
Motorists using the North-South Expressway and other highways or normal roads have been advised to be cautious when driving as the haze has reduced visibility.
Malacca Fire and Rescue Department director Nazili Mahmood said motorcyclists must be extra cautious and take precautionary measures like switching on their headlights and wearing bright attire.
"Motorcyclists must also wear face masks to protect themselves from inhaling unhealthy air while riding. Wearing helmets alone will not be sufficient," Nazili said.
Meanwhile, a row of six shophouses were destroyed in a fire at Jalan Batu Gajah in Merlimau, near Jasin this morning, Malacca Fire and Rescue Department deputy enforcement chief Kamarulzaman Mohd Din said.
- Bernama
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