Penang schools told to suspend outdoor activities amid unhealthy API readings

George Town, Penang schools in areas with unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings have been instructed to halt all outdoor activities. Penang Education Department director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad reported that the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) logged an unhealthy reading at Minden station. Schools in the affected Minden area, including four primary and three secondary schools, will continue operating but outdoor activities will be suspended as a precautionary measure.

The API reading increased from 107 at noon to 103 an hour later, dropping to 97 at 3pm and 96 at 8pm, all within the moderate range. At 8pm, the API at Balik Pulau, Seberang Prai, and Seberang Jaya stations remained moderate, between 84 and 95. Dziauddin stated he would convene a meeting with all headmasters and principals the following day to provide updates and discuss measures if haze conditions worsen or API readings become unhealthy.

Pupils are advised to wear face masks and drink water frequently, while schools should promptly refer unwell pupils to their parents or guardians. Schools must suspend outdoor activities if API exceeds 100, fully close if it surpasses 200, and teachers and staff are exempt from reporting if the reading exceeds 500.