By Zaki MS
IPOH – The operation of schools across all districts in Perak on Monday will be determined based on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on Sunday.
Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah said the decision is expected to be announced after 2 pm on Sunday.
He said schools in districts that continue to record unhealthy API readings may be closed to safeguard students’ health and safety.
He added that the decision would take into account air quality developments and the health risks posed by the haze.
Previously, schools in three districts, namely Kinta Utara, Kinta Selatan and Kuala Kangsar, were ordered to close after API readings exceeded 180.
For schools that are closed, teaching and learning activities will continue through Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR).
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has ordered all educational institutions in areas recording API readings above 180 to close from tomorrow.
Director-General of Education Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the measure follows a decree by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, calling for the health and safety of students and education personnel to be prioritised.
The MOE will continue to monitor the haze situation and seek advice from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and relevant agencies.
The measures aim to ensure the safety, health and welfare of students and education personnel remain protected throughout the haze situation affecting the country.
