Johor education department says daily closure notices are routine updates, don’t clash with state haze order

On Oct 12, the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) issued daily notifications regarding the continuation of school closures due to the haze, notwithstanding the state government's recent five-day extension. JPNJ's chairman, Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali, clarified that these notifications were part of their administrative requirements set by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and did not contradict the state government's announcement.

In a Facebook post, he emphasized that the primary concern should be the safety and welfare of students.

Previously, numerous parents had expressed their worries on social media about the extension of school closures in Johor, requesting information from both the state government and JPNJ. This came after JPNJ announced that all schools would be closed on Oct 12, following a two-day closure on Oct 8 and 9, and an earlier announcement from the government that the closure would be prolonged until Oct 16.

Throughout this period, JPNJ planned to implement Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) to prevent any disruption to students' education.

Principals of fully residential schools were given the discretion to decide whether students could return home, considering the latest risk assessments and prioritizing student safety. Additionally, JPNJ announced that the Year 4 Learning Matrix (MPT4) and other relevant assessments would be postponed and rescheduled, as per directives from the Examination Syndicate and JPNJ.

The Specific School Admission Assessment (PKSK), scheduled for Oct 12, was also postponed, with the new date to be announced by the relevant department.

Furthermore, JPNJ indicated that teachers and officials involved in these assessments were not obligated to attend, and schools along with PKSK centers were instructed to inform parents, guardians, and candidates about the revised dates.