Students across several Malaysian states and Kuala Lumpur returned to school on October 19 as educational institutions reopened following disruptions caused by ongoing haze conditions. The Education Ministry resumed operations in affected regions while maintaining close monitoring of air quality.
In response to the haze, the education departments of Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory and Selangor advised students to wear face masks while on school premises. Both departments also urged parents, guardians, and school staff to stay informed through official channels and to follow guidance from relevant authorities regarding health and safety measures.
Selangor’s education authorities emphasized the importance of monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings provided by the Environment Department and highlighted the need to safeguard students’ wellbeing against haze-related health risks. Parents and school personnel were encouraged to regularly check departmental communications for updates.
In Negeri Sembilan, the state education department directed schools to postpone and reschedule End-of-Academic-Session Examinations and all internal tests during the haze period. The directive also mandated the suspension of outdoor activities if API readings exceed 100, signaling unhealthy air quality levels.
Similarly, the Melaka education department instructed school administrators to consistently monitor API readings and prioritize the safety of students most vulnerable to the adverse effects of pollution. In Pahang, while schools in the Bentong district continued normal operations, all outdoor activities there have been suspended until further notice. Other districts within the state reported regular school activities with updates to be disseminated through official education department channels as situations evolve.
In Penang, authorities advised students to wear face masks and remain well hydrated. Schools were tasked with ensuring sufficient supplies of drinking water to support student health. The Penang education department committed to ongoing air quality surveillance to protect students and staff.
Malaysia’s Health Ministry previously warned that any outdoor activities and public events should be halted should API levels enter the very unhealthy to hazardous range. The ministry recommended reducing outdoor exertion to minimize health risks during periods of poor air quality.
The API scale ranges from zero to over 300, with 0 to 50 categorized as good, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 considered hazardous to human health. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely as the haze situation develops.