Penang schools ready for PdPR if API hits 200 amid haze

GEORGE TOWN: Penang's education department has prepared to switch to home-based learning (PdPR) if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200 due to worsening haze, according to Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, the state Education Department director. The preparations are ongoing, but PdPR has not been initiated as current readings remain below the threshold.

Schools will halt outdoor activities once the API hits 100, and pupils will not attend school and PdPR will be implemented once the reading hits 200, the director explained after inspecting the preparedness at SK Bukit Gelugor. The department assesses the situation the night before, typically around 6pm or 8pm, based on API readings and wind patterns before deciding on further actions.

Early notification is crucial as teachers need time to prepare schedules and inform pupils about PdPR arrangements. The department activated a war room on August 13 to monitor the haze situation and coordinate measures with district education offices and schools. Four API stations in Minden, Balik Pulau, Seberang Jaya, and Prai are being monitored.

Schools in affected areas will be identified based on readings from the respective monitoring stations. Currently, schools are asked not to conduct outdoor activities and to focus on indoor classroom activities, especially as readings in some areas are nearing 100. Pupils with respiratory issues will be allowed to seek treatment at nearby health clinics if needed.

The API readings are categorized as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), and above 300 (hazardous).