Haze: Schools in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu to operate as usual today, says Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — Schools in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will operate as usual today as the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the three states remain under control.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the Education Ministry (MOE) will continue to monitor the air quality following the haze currently affecting the country.

“Schools in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will operate as usual tomorrow (October 11) as the API readings are still under control,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Previously, MOE directed all educational institutions under its purview in areas with API readings exceeding 180 to close starting October 9, while those in areas recording readings above 150 for three consecutive days are to close from October 12.

The closures are to protect the health and safety of students and educators from the haze.

Meanwhile, the MOE has directed State Education Directors (PPN) to set up a Haze Monitoring Task Force Committee to determine daily school operations based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

In a statement yesterday, MOE said the committee, comprising State Education Departments (JPN) and District Education Offices (PPD), will monitor API readings at scheduled times daily.

“Based on data from this committee, PPN will decide whether schools operate as usual or switch to Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPr),” the statement said.

Announcements on school status will be made before 2.45 pm on Saturdays for Group A schools and Sundays for Group B schools. On other days, announcements will be issued before 5.45 pm based on API data from the Department of Environment (DOE).

MOE noted that the fixed announcement schedule aims to facilitate travel arrangements for hostel students.

It also advised parents and guardians to stay attentive to official announcements issued through respective JPN, PPD and school communication channels. — Bernama