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

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — Educational institutions in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will continue to function normally today, according to Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek. The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in these three states are currently within acceptable limits. Fadhlina emphasized that the Education Ministry (MOE) will persist in monitoring the air quality in the aftermath of the ongoing haze affecting the nation.

On October 9, the MOE had instructed all educational institutions in areas with API readings surpassing 180 to suspend operations, while those in regions with readings above 150 for three consecutive days were required to close starting October 12. These actions aimed to safeguard the well-being of students and teachers from the adverse effects of the haze.

The MOE also tasked State Education Directors (PPN) with establishing a Haze Monitoring Task Force Committee to ascertain daily school operations based on API readings. The committee, consisting of State Education Departments (JPN) and District Education Offices (PPD), will regularly monitor API readings and inform the respective principals whether to proceed with normal operations or switch to Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPr).

The MOE announced school status updates before 2.45 pm on Saturdays for Group A schools and Sundays for Group B schools. For other days, the announcements will be made before 5.45 pm based on API data from the Department of Environment (DOE). The MOE explained that the predetermined announcement schedule is intended to assist hostel students in planning their travel.

The ministry also advised parents and guardians to remain vigilant and follow official announcements via the respective JPN, PPD, and school communication channels.