Education Ministry directs schools to monitor haze levels, adjust activities accordingly

The Ministry of Education has instructed state education departments (JPN) and district education offices nationwide to establish robust monitoring systems for haze conditions and implement response protocols guided by Air Pollutant Index (API) measurements. The directive, issued from the ministry's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, underscores heightened concern over air quality impacts on the education sector during seasonal haze events. Under the new guidelines, educational institutions are required to track real-time API data and make informed decisions regarding outdoor activities, sports events, and other programmes that could expose students to hazardous air quality. Schools have been advised to consult official air quality monitoring resources and implement precautionary measures when API readings indicate unhealthy or hazardous air conditions. The ministry's directive reflects a broader recognition that poor air quality poses significant health risks to Malaysia's student population, necessitating coordinated action across the education system. State and district education offices are expected to cascade these instructions to individual schools and ensure compliance with the new monitoring and response requirements. The move aims to strike a balance between maintaining regular educational activities and safeguarding student welfare during periods of elevated air pollution.