Haze: Schools in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu to operate as usual today, says Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — Schools in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will continue operating as normal today as the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the region remain within acceptable limits. Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek announced that the Education Ministry (MOE) will keep a close eye on air quality following the ongoing haze affecting the country.

"Schools in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will operate as usual on tomorrow (October 11) as the API readings are still under control," she said in a statement.

Earlier, the MOE had instructed all educational institutions in areas where API readings exceeded 180 to shut down starting October 9, while those in regions with readings above 150 for three consecutive days were to close from October 12. These closures were implemented to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff from the detrimental effects of haze.

To manage school operations, the MOE has established a Haze Monitoring Task Force Committee comprising State Education Departments (JPN) and District Education Offices (PPD). This committee will regularly monitor API readings throughout the day and make informed decisions regarding whether schools should operate as usual or transition to Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPr).

Parents and guardians are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about official announcements issued through their respective State Education Departments (JPN), District Education Offices (PPD), and school communication channels. The MOE announced these updates at 2.45 pm on Saturdays for Group A schools, and at 5.45 pm for Group B schools on other days, based on API data provided by the Department of Environment (DOE).