{
  "id": 12097364,
  "title": "DoE: Haze action plan has gaps",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/doe-haze-action-plan-has-gaps",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T07:19:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1548120/doe-haze-action-plan-has-gaps"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Department of Environment (DoE) has recognized issues with the National Haze Action Plan, which outlines air quality standards for schools to limit outdoor activities or close. DoE deputy director-general (development) Azuri Azizah Saedon explained that the plan currently necessitates the department to request the Education Ministry to reduce outdoor activities in schools when air quality is unhealthy, rather than closing schools. The plan stipulates that all outdoor activities must cease when Air Pollutant Index readings exceed 100, while schools, kindergartens, and childcare centers must close immediately when readings surpass 200. The plan will remain in effect for now to prevent confusion while the haze persists. The DoE acknowledged identifying weaknesses in the plan and intends to amend it in the future, possibly within a year or two, as the current version contains some shortcomings. The department emphasized that decisions on school closures are made by the Education Ministry, though some states, like Sarawak, have independently closed schools in response to unhealthy air quality. The National Haze Action Plan was formulated after consultations with all relevant agencies in 2025 and was released early in the current year. The DoE will reconvene with these agencies once the haze subsides to consider improvements. The current haze episode is the most severe since 2015 and 2016, exacerbated by a strong El Nino this year. The Serian area recorded an Air Pollutant Index of 518 on September 4, the highest reading in the country at the time. Concerning the proposed transboundary haze law, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) is still collecting feedback from its agencies before drafting the Act. The DoE has not been contacted yet to provide legal input under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Malaysia has also suggested Science Diplomacy and a Sustainable Haze Fund to enhance regional efforts against transboundary haze.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DoE) has acknowledged weaknesses in the National Haze Action Plan, which sets the air quality thresholds for schools to reduce outdoor activities or close.",
  "key_points": [
    "DoE identifies gaps in National Haze Action Plan",
    "Schools close when AQI exceeds 200, not 100 as stated",
    "Plan to be revised within a year or two"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Department of Environment's recognition of gaps in the National Haze Action Plan signals a likely overhaul of the guidelines, potentially within a year or two, to better address school closures and air quality standards.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}