Schools in Penang ready to implement PdPR if API exceeds 200

Schools in Penang are prepared to implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) if the Air Pollution Index (API) reading surpasses 200 due to the ongoing haze. The Penang State Education Department (JPNPP) Director, Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, confirmed that preparations are in place, awaiting the decision to be implemented if the situation deteriorates.

According to the guidelines, outdoor activities are prohibited when the API exceeds 100, and when it reaches 200, students are required to stay at home, triggering the implementation of PdPR. However, at present, the department is only preparing for such a scenario and will inform in advance if the API reading is likely to reach 200, allowing teachers, parents, and students to prepare accordingly.

The JPNPP will assess the haze situation in the afternoon or night of the day before the implementation to determine if PdPR is necessary. The department aims to avoid making last-minute decisions to give parents, schools, and canteen operators ample time to prepare. Currently, the API readings at all four Penang stations – Seberang Jaya, Seberang Perai, Minden, and Balik Pulau – are moderate, ranging from 76 to 85, as opposed to the previous day's readings, which were between 96 and 155.