Schools can close if API exceeds 200 - deputy education minister

Schools in areas with an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of more than 200 can be closed immediately without waiting for the approval of the District Education Office. 

Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying said all heads of schools were reminded to always monitor the API reading in their areas through the Environment Department’s website. 

“According to the Education Ministry guidelines on haze management, if the API reading exceeds 100, no outdoor activities can be carried out at schools and if it exceeds 200, schools will be closed and learning must be done online.

“The school does not need to wait for approval but needs to inform the district office,” she told a press conference after visiting Chew Jetty in Georgetown, Penang, today. 

She advised students to wear face masks while in school and drink plenty of water.

Lim also advised parents to always check their children’s health and reduce outdoor activities following the poor air quality.

Meanwhile, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairperson Daniel Gooi said as of 9am, three of the four API reading stations in the state recorded very good air quality.

- Bernama

NGO: M'sia-Indonesia should stop blaming each other over haze

Indonesian deputy minister faces health issues after battling forest fires

Transboundary haze: M'sia awaiting response from Indonesia

Haze: Five areas record unhealthy API this morning

MP SPEAKS | Govt should enact Transboundary Haze Act

LETTER | Transboundary haze: Managing Asean’s wicked problem

Minister: Home-based teaching, learning for schools if API breaches 200