World · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysian schools to close when air quality index hits 200
The Education Ministry has reinstated its existing haze policy, which allows parents to keep children home from school during hazardous air quality conditions. Parents may opt out of sending their children to school if they provide advance notice to the school.
LSN Malaysia ·
Schools across Malaysia will close when the Air Pollution Index (API) reaches 200, according to the Education Ministry's reactivated haze contingency plan. The decision marks a return to existing protocols for managing air quality emergencies that affect the country's education system. The ministry has confirmed that the threshold of 200 API will trigger mandatory school closures to protect student health during periods of severe air pollution. Under the policy, parents retain the option to keep their children home from school during hazardous air quality conditions, provided they notify the school administration in advance. The Education Ministry said parents who choose this option must inform their respective schools beforehand to ensure proper documentation and administrative procedures are followed. The reinstatement of the haze policy reflects the ministry's commitment to safeguarding student welfare during episodes of poor air quality, which periodically affect the region.