THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions under its jurisdiction in areas recording an Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeding 180, effective tomorrow.
The directive was issued following advice from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who is concerned about the safety and health of students amidst the worsening haze situation in the country.
Director-General of Education Datuk Dr. Mohd. Azam Ahmad stated that the decision was made to protect students and the education community from exposure to haze conditions that could adversely affect health.
“All educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) in areas recording an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeding 180—based on Department of Environment (DOE) data—must close starting tomorrow, October 9.
“Areas recording an API reading exceeding 150 for three consecutive days must close starting Monday, October 12.
“Affected schools and educational institutions under the MOE are required to implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) sessions,” he said in a statement today.
Mohd. Azam said that during this period, schools must ensure the continuity of the teaching and learning process through appropriate methods, taking into account students' capabilities, access, and needs, as well as teachers' readiness.
“Based on the Education Minister's consideration, teachers and support staff (AKP) are also permitted to work from home (BDR) throughout the closure period,” he said.
He also directed State Education Departments (JPN), District Education Offices (PPD), and educational institutions under the MOE to conduct continuous monitoring and take appropriate action whenever API readings exceed the established thresholds.
“The Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to monitor developments and constantly seek advice from the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of students and the education community are safeguarded, in accordance with the royal decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim decreed that schools in areas affected by the haze be closed to ensure the safety and health of students.
This concern follows prolonged Air Pollutant Index (API) readings ranging between 150 and 180 over the past few days.
Furthermore, Sultan Ibrahim is concerned about the safety and health of school students and has decreed that priority be given to these aspects.
He also instructed the Ministry of Education (MOE) to pay serious attention to the matter.
“Appropriate measures must be taken by the relevant ministries and agencies to protect students, as well as the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.
“Always take precautions to safeguard health, wear face masks, and reduce outdoor activities due to the haze,” he decreed. – October 8, 2026
