Haze? Penang schools ready to call off outdoor activities once API crosses 100, shut if over 200

George Town, Aug 14 — Schools in Penang affected by an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading are preparing to suspend outdoor activities for students as a precautionary measure against the haze. The Penang Education Department (JPNPP) director, Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, informed that the Minden monitoring station recorded an API reading of 107 at noon and 103 an hour later, both in the "unhealthy" category.

Should the API level remain in the "unhealthy" range this morning, these schools will suspend all outdoor activities. The API reading at 8 pm was 96, placing it in the "moderate" category. Mohamad Dziauddin plans to meet all headmasters and principals at 11am today to provide updates and discuss necessary measures if the haze situation worsens or API readings reach unhealthy levels.

Schools should advise students to wear face masks, stay hydrated, and immediately refer any unwell students to their parents or guardians. Under the haze episode guidelines, schools must suspend all outdoor activities when the API exceeds 100, close immediately if it exceeds 200, and teachers and support staff do not need to report for duty if the API exceeds 500. Schools may reopen if the API falls below 200 and shows a downward trend.