KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Schools and educational institutions under the Education Ministry in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 180 must close from tomorrow (October 9), as authorities step up measures to protect students and teachers from the worsening haze.
Schools in areas where API readings remain above 150 for three consecutive days must also close from Monday, October 12, the ministry said in a statement today.
The directive follows concerns raised by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over the health and safety of students amid the haze affecting parts of the country.
In the statement, Education director-general Datuk Mohd Azam Ahmad said the ministry was acting to prevent students and education personnel from being exposed to air pollution that could harm their health.
“All educational institutions under the Education Ministry in areas where API readings exceed 180, based on records from the Department of Environment, must close from Friday, October 9, 2026,” he said.
“Areas recording API readings above 150 continuously for three consecutive days must close from Monday, October 12, 2026.”
Affected schools must switch to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) to ensure lessons continue during the closures.
“Schools and educational institutions under the ministry that are affected are required to conduct home-based teaching and learning sessions,” Mohd Azam said.
He added that schools must ensure lessons continue through appropriate methods that take into account students’ capabilities, access and needs, as well as teachers’ preparedness.
Teachers and support staff will also be permitted to work from home during the closures, the ministry said.
State Education Departments, district education offices and educational institutions have been instructed to monitor air quality continuously and take appropriate action when pollution levels exceed the stipulated thresholds.
“The Education Ministry will continue to monitor developments from time to time and seek advice from the Health Ministry and relevant agencies to ensure the safety, health and welfare of students and education personnel are protected, in accordance with the decree of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” Mohd Azam said.
The latest directive comes as haze continues to affect air quality in parts of Malaysia, raising concerns over prolonged exposure to pollutants, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups.
Under Malaysia’s API classification, readings of 101 to 200 are considered unhealthy, while those between 201 and 300 are classified as very unhealthy.
The directive does not amount to a nationwide school shutdown, with closures determined by air quality readings in the affected areas.
