The Education Ministry (MOE) has instructed state education departments (JPN), district education offices (PPD) and all educational institutions under its supervision to immediately suspend outdoor activities in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 100.
The directive covers outdoor gatherings, sports and other activities following worsening haze and unexpectedly hot weather affecting several parts of the country. Some areas have already recorded API readings classified as unhealthy.
Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the ministry was closely monitoring the situation, with the health, safety and welfare of students remaining a priority amid the current weather conditions.
He said schools located in areas or districts where the API reading exceeds 200 must be closed immediately.
For ongoing sporting events organised under the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) and the Islamic Education Division (BPI), adjustments will be made based on prevailing conditions. Competition venues may be moved to safer locations or shifted indoors where necessary, depending on the latest API readings.
The ministry also outlined several precautionary measures for schools and educational institutions. All outdoor activities should be postponed during periods of severe heat and haze, while outdoor activities must be stopped immediately once the API exceeds 100.
Schools are likewise required to close immediately if the API reading in their respective areas or districts rises above 200.
Educational institutions have also been told to closely monitor activities that could expose students to excessive heat. Schools must ensure there is an adequate supply of clean drinking water, encourage students to bring their own water and provide drinking water to boarding students if conditions become critical and no other source is available.
Students are encouraged to drink an appropriate amount of water regularly to help regulate their body temperature. Schools have also been advised to remain vigilant and work with nearby clinics and hospitals should students develop complications linked to the haze or hot weather.
The ministry further urged all educational institutions to regularly check the latest API readings through the Department of Environment’s website and take appropriate action based on the prevailing conditions.
Schools have also been reminded to refer to two existing ministry circulars concerning student safety during prolonged hot and dry weather, as well as measures to protect students in schools located in areas experiencing critical haze conditions.
Mohd Azam stressed that the Education Ministry would continue to prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of students and all members of the education community as the situation develops.
