Schools in KL, Putrajaya and Six States to Operate Tomorrow; Parents are given the Option not to Send Their Children if They are Worried about Health Issues.

KUALA LUMPUR: Schools in Melaka, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang and Penang, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, will operate as usual tomorrow, although outdoor activities in several areas have been suspended due to the haze.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, the Negeri Sembilan State Education Department (JPNS) said in a statement today that all educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) would operate as usual.

However, the End-of-Academic-Session Assessment (UASA) scheduled during this period must be postponed and rescheduled by the respective schools.

The postponement also applies to all internal school examinations, in line with the MOE’s statement dated October 15, while all outdoor classroom activities must be suspended if the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 100.

In MELAKA, the State Education Department (JPN) announced that all educational institutions under its administration would operate as usual, with all outdoor activities suspended.

School administrators are also required to monitor API readings from the Department of Environment and pay special attention to high-risk students.

In SELANGOR, the State Education Department similarly announced that all educational institutions under its administration would operate as usual, with all outdoor activities suspended.

Administrators have been instructed to monitor API readings and pay special attention to high-risk students.

Meanwhile, the KUALA LUMPUR Federal Territory Education Department announced that all educational institutions under the MOE would continue face-to-face learning as usual, although all outdoor classroom activities would be suspended.

In PUTRAJAYA, the Putrajaya Federal Territory Education Department (JPWPP) also confirmed that all schools under its administration would operate as usual, with outdoor activities suspended.

The department and school administrators will periodically monitor API readings and pay special attention to high-risk students.

In PAHANG, the State Education Department announced that schools in Rompin, Bentong and Cameron Highlands would operate tomorrow, with all outdoor classroom activities suspended.

Schools in other districts will operate as usual, and any changes will be communicated through their respective District Education Offices.

In PERAK, the State Education Department announced that all schools would operate as usual tomorrow and urged everyone to remain alert to current developments and comply with advice issued by the relevant authorities regarding the haze.

In PENANG, the State Education Department announced that all educational institutions would operate as usual tomorrow and encouraged students to drink sufficient water.

Schools have been instructed to ensure adequate drinking water supplies, while the department will continue monitoring air quality developments.

The wearing of face masks is also encouraged among students and school staff as a precautionary measure, particularly for those experiencing respiratory symptoms or belonging to high-risk groups.

Education departments in Melaka, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Penang, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, have also given parents or guardians who are concerned about their children’s health the option of keeping them home, provided they inform the school.

Earlier, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek was reported as saying that decisions on school closures due to the haze would be jointly determined by the MOE, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), based on their respective expertise.

The decision takes into account air quality monitoring and health risks to students, as well as the impact on learning if schools remain closed for an extended period.

Meanwhile, Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah urged the government, private sector and local communities to take proactive measures and collective action to address the physical and psychological effects of the haze on students and families.

In a royal message posted on the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar last night, Her Majesty also emphasised the importance of community cooperation in strengthening Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR), as well as developing long-term strategies to address haze-related challenges.

BERITA HARIAN