{
  "id": 14410938,
  "title": "End confusion over API thresholds for closing, reopening schools, says group",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/end-confusion-over-api-thresholds-for-closing-reopening-schools-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T09:03:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/14/end-confusion-over-api-thresholds-for-closing-reopening-schools-says-group"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Melaka education department has been asked to clarify conflicting air pollutant index (API) thresholds for school closures and reopening during haze periods, according to the Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie). The group's chairman, Mak Chee Kin, said school closures should be announced earlier, preferably by noon the day before, to help parents, teachers, and transport operators prepare. The department currently requires schools to close when API readings exceed 150 but can reopen when readings fall below 200, causing confusion among parents when API readings are between 151 and 199. Mak emphasized that while haze conditions can change rapidly, the health and safety of students and teachers should remain the priority. The group stresses the importance of transparent, consistent, and properly communicated decisions affecting students, teachers, and thousands of families.",
  "summary": "The Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education says the state education department should establish clearer guidelines and provide timely updates on school closures.",
  "key_points": [
    "Melaka education department to clarify API thresholds for schools",
    "Current policy: close at 150 API, reopen at below 200",
    "Magpie urges earlier announcements and consistent communication"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "End confusion over API thresholds for closing, reopening schools, says group",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/end-confusion-over-api-thresholds-for-closing-reopening-schools-says-14416544",
        "published": "2026-10-14T09:03:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}