Penang Education Dept sets up haze ‘war room’, schools to switch to home learning once API hits 200

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 26 — The Penang Education Department has established a 'war room' to monitor haze conditions and prepare for potential home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) if the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reach 200. This decision adheres to guidelines set by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and National Disaster Management Agency.

The department will closely monitor API trends at four monitoring stations and inform schools and district education offices accordingly. Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, the director, assured parents of the department's commitment to student safety and comfort, while also advising preparation for students with respiratory sensitivities.

The department is also preparing contingency plans for the Malaysia Schools Sports Council and the Malaysian Scout Jamboree, which may be affected by worsening air quality.