Sekolah tutup jika IPU cecah 200, KPM kembali guna dasar jerebu sedia ada

Pertubuhan Pendidikan Negara (KPM) reinstated guidelines on school closures due to air pollution, stating that schools will be shut if the Air Pollution Index (IPU) reaches 200. All outdoor classroom activities should cease if the reading exceeds 100, according to the updated National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) standards.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the ministry welcomes Nadma's assessment that any response to pollution should be guided by the National Disaster Action Plan. KPM has commenced the adaptation of school operations procedures based on the PTJK framework. This move aims to ensure decisions are made more systematically according to current conditions, including IPU readings and health advice from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM).

Fadhlina acknowledged that IPU readings can fluctuate within short periods, and early school closures without considering these factors could waste learning time despite improving air quality. However, she noted that parents remain allowed to keep children at home if they have health and safety concerns throughout the dusty season, provided schools are informed in advance.

The safety and health of children remain paramount, she emphasized, but each school day holds significant value for children's development and learning. The minister hopes that this adaptation will provide clearer assurance to parents, easing their difficulties. According to the 2019 KPM criteria, schools must close when IPU readings reach 200, subject to confirmation by the regional disaster management committee.

However, during this particular dust episode, KPM introduced interim closure thresholds based on IPU readings.