SCHOOLS affected by the haze in Penang are ready to implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) if the Air Pollution Index (API) reading exceeds 200.
Penang State Education Department (JPNPP) Director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad said preparations have been made and are only waiting to be implemented if the situation worsens.
“According to the guidelines set, activities outside the classroom are not allowed when the API reading exceeds 100, and when the API reaches 200, students do not need to attend school, and PdPR will be implemented.
“However, for now, it is not possible (PdPR) yet. We are just preparing, and if the API reading shows a tendency to reach 200, then we will inform in advance so teachers, parents and students can prepare for the implementation of PdPR,” he said.
Mohamad Dziauddin added that the department will assess the haze situation in the afternoon or night the day before to determine the need to implement PdPR or otherwise.
“If possible, we do not want to make a decision at the last minute so that parents, schools and canteen operators have time to prepare,” he said.
Meanwhile, as of 10 am this morning, the API readings at all four stations in Penang, namely Seberang Jaya, Seberang Perai, Minden and Balik Pulau, were at a moderate level, between 76 and 85, compared to the same time yesterday, which was between 96 and 155. – August 26, 2026