[UPDATED]: Schools in areas with API above 180 to close from tomorrow; 150 on Monday

All educational institutions under the Malaysian Education Ministry in areas with Air Pollutant Index (API) readings above 180 will close starting tomorrow. This decision comes after a decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, prioritizing student and staff safety amid the worsening haze. According to Education Director-General Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, the closure applies to any school within the Ministry's jurisdiction located in an area with API readings exceeding 180, as recorded by the Department of Environment.

Institutions in areas where API readings stay above 150 for three consecutive days will also close from Monday.

Under the directive, affected schools must transition to home-based teaching and learning. Education authorities must ensure that lessons continue through suitable methods, considering student capabilities, access, needs, and teachers' readiness. Teachers and support staff are permitted to work from home throughout the closure period, as per the education minister's consideration.

State education departments, district education offices, and Ministry of Education-managed institutions must continuously monitor API readings and take appropriate action when the specified thresholds are surpassed. The measures aim to shield students and education personnel from potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to haze.

Sultan Ibrahim had previously urged schools in areas experiencing API readings between 150 and 180 to close, expressing deep concern for the well-being of schoolchildren amidst the deteriorating air quality.