MOE reverts to haze plan: Schools shut at API 200, outdoor classes at 100, parents may keep kids home
Malaysia's Ministry of Education has reinstated the National Haze Action Plan, which mandates school closures when the Air Pollutant Index hits 200. The decision follows consultations with disaster management agencies and aims to balance student health with educational continuity.
Why it matters
The policy change addresses public health concerns regarding air quality while managing the logistical challenges of school operations during environmental crises.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) has reverted to the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) guidelines, which mandate the immediate closure of schools when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200, following input from various relevant agencies.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that under the PTJK, all outdoor classroom activities must also be halted when the API exceeds 100.
She added that parents are also permitted not to send their children to school if they are concerned that the haze condition could affect their health, provided they notify the school administration.
“In managing the haze, specific actions must be taken for each API reading level. We cannot assume that all risk levels require the same course of action,” she said in a Facebook post today.
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