Malaysia postpones school assessments amid worsening haze conditions

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 — The Ministry of Education has announced the postponement of the End-of-Academic-Session Assessment (UASA), originally scheduled to commence next week, as a precautionary measure in response to deteriorating air quality affecting multiple regions.

The decision prioritises student well-being and safety, with officials determining that proceeding with examinations during hazardous air quality conditions would pose unnecessary health risks to pupils and educators. The ministry has not yet announced a revised examination date.

The postponement reflects growing concerns about the annual haze phenomenon that affects Malaysia and neighbouring countries during the monsoon season. Educational institutions across the country have been monitoring air quality index readings to determine appropriate responses.

The UASA is a critical assessment for students marking the conclusion of the academic session. The ministry said further guidance regarding rescheduled examination dates and alternative arrangements would be communicated to schools and parents in due course.

This decision aligns with the ministry's established protocols for suspending outdoor activities and educational programmes when air quality reaches hazardous levels, ensuring the health of all stakeholders in the education system remains protected.