{
  "id": 15408467,
  "title": "Schools in 5 states to reopen tomorrow despite haze",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/schools-in-5-states-to-reopen-tomorrow-despite-haze-15408467",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T11:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/18/schools-in-5-states-to-reopen-tomorrow-despite-haze"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Schools across five Malaysian states are set to reopen tomorrow despite the ongoing haze, as precautionary measures are taken to ensure student safety. In Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, and Penang, the education ministry has implemented various protocols. Students are encouraged to wear face masks, and school administrators must monitor air pollutant index (API) readings. High-risk students have the option to stay home, but must inform their school beforehand. Outdoor activities are suspended if the API exceeds 100, and an assessment period has been postponed due to the haze. In Negeri Sembilan, schools must cancel internal exams. Parents and guardians are advised to stay updated through official channels or directly from their schools. In Melaka, schools must continuously monitor API readings, and in Pahang, outdoor activities have been postponed in Bentong, while other districts proceed as usual. Penang schools are urged to stay hydrated and maintain an adequate supply of drinking water. The education ministry has reverted to National Haze Action Plan guidelines, which state that schools must close immediately when the API reaches 200, and readings range from good to hazardous.",
  "summary": "The education ministry last week said schools will be closed when the API reading reaches 200.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Schools in 5 states to reopen tomorrow despite haze",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/schools-in-5-states-to-reopen-tomorrow-despite-haze",
        "published": "2026-10-18T11:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}