Malaysia

Five states reopen schools as haze forces exam delays and outdoor curbs

Haze precautions remain in place, including postponed examinations in Negeri Sembilan and restrictions on outdoor activities

Updated 35 minutes ago · Published on 18 Oct 2026 5:24PM

Five states reopen schools as haze forces exam delays and outdoor curbs
Schools in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang and Penang will operate as usual tomorrow -October 18, 2026

STUDENTS in five states can return to school tomorrow, but continuing haze has prompted education authorities to maintain health precautions and suspend outdoor activities in affected areas, with Negeri Sembilan also postponing scheduled examinations.

In Negeri Sembilan, the State Education Department said the Year-End Academic Assessment (UASA) must be postponed and rescheduled by schools because of the prevailing haze.

The postponement also applies to internal examinations organised by schools, while all outdoor classroom activities must be stopped when the Air Pollution Index (API) exceeds 100.

In Selangor, the State Education Department said outdoor activities would be postponed and pupils attending school were encouraged to wear face masks.

School administrators must monitor API readings and give special attention to pupils at higher risk.

“Parents or guardians who are concerned about their children’s health are allowed not to send them to school, provided they inform the school,” it said.

In Melaka, school administrators were instructed to monitor readings from the Environment Department and pay particular attention to vulnerable pupils. Parents, guardians and school communities were advised to obtain updates through official state education channels or their respective schools.

In Pahang, schools in Bentong will remain open as usual, but outdoor classroom activities have been postponed until further notice. Schools in other districts will also operate normally, with any changes to be announced through the State Education Department and district education offices.

In Penang, the State Education Department encouraged pupils to wear face masks and drink sufficient water, while schools were told to ensure adequate drinking water supplies.

The department said it would continue monitoring air quality, with the health, safety and well-being of pupils and education personnel remaining a priority.

Education authorities in the five states advised parents and the public to follow official announcements for the latest information on school operations and haze-related measures. - October 18, 2026

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