Haze: MOE orders outdoor activities suspended where API exceeds 100

PUTRAJAYA – The Education Ministry (MoE) has mandated all schools under its jurisdiction to halt outdoor activities, such as gatherings and sports, in regions where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading surpasses 100, due to intense heat and haze, according to a statement by Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, the Education director-general. The directive has been disseminated to state education departments and district education offices to protect the welfare and safety of students.

MoE Circular No. 5/2016, dated April 26, 2016, offers guidance to educational institutions on preparations to safeguard student welfare, health, and safety during extended periods of hot and dry weather. Additionally, MoE Circular No. 1/2019, dated Jan 15, 2019, provides measures for ensuring student health and safety in areas with critical haze.

Sports events organized by the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) and Islamic Education Division (BPI) would also be relocated to safer locations or moved indoors, contingent upon the latest API readings. The department and officers are advised to implement preventive measures, including monitoring activities that may expose students to hot weather, to ensure their health.

Adequate clean drinking water must be consistently available at MoE educational institutions, and students are encouraged to bring their own drinking water. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that approximately 30 areas nationwide have recorded unhealthy API readings. Educational institutions should remain vigilant and collaborate with nearby clinics and hospitals should students encounter any complications arising from haze and hot weather.

Educational institutions must frequently monitor API readings and the latest status via the Department of Environment (DoE) website, https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/main, to safeguard the health of students and education personnel.