Schools may close, exams delayed if PSI forecast hits 300

The Ministry of Education will evaluate school closures and examination postponements should meteorological forecasts indicate a next-day Pollutant Standards Index exceeding 300, Education Minister Desmond Lee announced. The PSI threshold of 300 represents hazardous air quality conditions that pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations including children and the elderly. Lee's statement outlines the ministry's contingency measures to safeguard student health during periods of severe air pollution. The decision to implement such measures would be made based on forecasted PSI levels rather than real-time readings, allowing schools and examination authorities sufficient time to prepare alternative arrangements. Singapore has previously activated similar protocols during transboundary haze episodes, with schools shifting to home-based learning or rescheduling high-stakes assessments when air quality deteriorates significantly.