Schools in Malaysia to close from tomorrow if haze index tops 180, Education Ministry says

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Schools and educational institutions in Malaysia will close from October 9 if the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpasses 180 in the surrounding area, according to a directive from the Education Ministry. The decision aims to safeguard students and teachers from the deteriorating haze, while also responding to concerns raised by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The Education director-general, Datuk Mohd Azam Ahmad, announced that any school in a region where API readings exceed 180 must cease operations from Friday, October 9. Additionally, institutions located in areas with API readings over 150 for three straight days must likewise close from Monday, October 12.

Affected schools are mandated to transition to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) to continue instruction during the closures. The ministry emphasized that schools must adapt their teaching methods to accommodate students' abilities, access to resources, and individual needs, while also supporting teachers in their preparedness for remote instruction.

Teachers and support staff will be permitted to work remotely during the closures. State Education Departments, district education offices, and educational institutions have been tasked with continuously monitoring air quality and taking necessary actions when pollution levels surpass the defined thresholds.

The ministry pledged to remain vigilant and consult with the Health Ministry and other relevant agencies to ensure the well-being and safety of students and education personnel, in line with the decree of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The current directive does not encompass a nationwide school shutdown but rather targets affected areas based on their respective air quality readings.