Education Ministry urges schools to shut if air quality index exceeds 200

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 OCTOBER 2026 —

PETALING JAYA — The Education Ministry has issued a directive requiring the immediate closure of all schools in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 200, while mandating the cessation of all student outdoor activities in zones where readings surpass 100.

This strict protocol, announced today, represents a decisive escalation in the government’s response to the worsening haze conditions affecting several parts of the country, prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of students above all other operational considerations.

The ministry stated that these measures are precautionary steps designed to safeguard students amid deteriorating air quality. All State Education Departments (JPN), District Education Offices (PPD), and educational institutions under the ministry’s purview have been directed to closely monitor local haze conditions and API readings. The directive emphasizes that institutions must take appropriate action based on real-time data, ensuring that the welfare of students remains the primary focus during these unexpected and hazardous environmental conditions.

In a concrete application of this policy, the Johor Education Department (JPN Johor) has temporarily closed educational institutions under its supervision in Batu Pahat. This closure is effective immediately and will remain in place until conditions are deemed safe and further instructions are issued by the authorities.

Following the physical closure of these schools, Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will be implemented where appropriate, taking into account the prevailing circumstances and the specific health, safety, and welfare needs of the students in the affected area.

The ministry outlined specific thresholds for action to ensure uniformity and clarity across the education sector. For areas recording API readings above 100, the directive is explicit: all outdoor activities involving students must be stopped. This prohibition includes sports, gatherings, and any other extracurricular activities that would expose students to the elements.

The ministry stressed that schools must monitor activities that could expose students to the effects of both haze and excessive heat, postponing any such engagements if weather conditions are deemed too severe.

For areas where API readings exceed 200, the requirement is more stringent. All schools within the affected area or district must be closed immediately. This threshold triggers a full suspension of on-campus operations, shifting the educational focus entirely to remote or home-based modalities. The ministry emphasized that this immediate closure is non-negotiable when the air quality reaches this critical level, reflecting the severe health risks associated with such high pollution indices.

In addition to activity restrictions, the ministry has issued detailed instructions regarding student hydration and physical comfort. Educational institutions are required to ensure adequate supplies of clean drinking water are available on campus. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and to drink sufficient water to regulate their body temperature.

For boarding schools, the directive is particularly specific: if conditions become critical and no alternative source of water is available, these institutions must provide drinking water to students to prevent dehydration and heat-related health issues.

The ministry also instructed schools to maintain close coordination with local healthcare facilities. Schools and educational institutions have been advised to remain vigilant and to work with nearby clinics and hospitals if students experience any health complications arising from the haze or hot weather.

This collaboration ensures that any medical emergencies or health issues related to the environmental conditions can be addressed promptly and effectively, providing a safety net for students who may be vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.

To facilitate this monitoring, the ministry directed JPNs, PPDs, and educational institutions to continuously track API readings and the latest haze situation through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System. This digital platform provides the most up-to-date data on air quality, allowing education authorities to make informed decisions in real-time.

The ministry reminded schools to refer to existing ministry circulars that outline measures to protect students’ health and safety during prolonged hot and dry weather and critical haze conditions, ensuring that all staff are familiar with established protocols.

The Higher Education Ministry has also issued its own guidance in response to the haze. It stated that higher education institutions in areas recording API readings above 201 are given the autonomy to determine the appropriate modes of teaching and learning. In a statement released yesterday, the ministry said it had directed such institutions under its purview to monitor API readings in their respective localities.

This autonomy allows universities and colleges to tailor their responses to their specific circumstances, while still adhering to the broader goal of protecting student health.

The Higher Education Ministry further noted that outdoor activities at these institutions should also be assessed and adjusted based on the latest API readings. The ministry said it would continue to monitor the situation and adjust the operational approach of these institutions as necessary. This ongoing monitoring ensures that the response remains dynamic and responsive to changes in air quality, allowing for timely adjustments to teaching and learning modes.

The Education Ministry’s statement, released yesterday, underscored that the welfare, health, and safety of students were a priority, particularly during unexpected haze conditions. The ministry acknowledged that the haze had caused API readings in several locations to reach unhealthy levels, necessitating these immediate and measures. By implementing these strict guidelines, the ministry aims to minimize the health risks to students while ensuring that education continues in a safe and effective manner.

The directive highlights the government’s commitment to adapting educational operations to environmental challenges. By setting clear API thresholds for activity restrictions and school closures, the ministry provides a structured framework for decision-making. This approach ensures that all educational institutions, from primary schools to higher education institutions, are aligned in their response to the haze, creating a cohesive national strategy to protect students.

The temporary closure of schools in Batu Pahat serves as a practical example of this strategy in action. It demonstrates the ministry’s willingness to suspend normal operations when air quality poses a significant threat to student health. The implementation of PdPR in these areas ensures that learning continues, albeit in a different format, while students remain in a safer environment. This balance between educational continuity and health protection is central to the ministry’s approach.

As the haze situation evolves, the ministry will continue to monitor API readings and issue further instructions as needed. The emphasis on real-time data and immediate action reflects the urgency of the situation and the importance of protecting students from the health hazards associated with poor air quality. The coordinated response from both the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry ensures that all levels of education are covered by these protective measures.

The ministry’s instructions on hydration and healthcare collaboration further reinforce the comprehensive nature of the response. By addressing both the immediate physical needs of students and the potential health complications, the ministry aims to mitigate the impact of the haze on student well-being. This holistic approach ensures that students are supported not only in their academic pursuits but also in their physical health during these challenging times.

The use of the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System as the primary source of data ensures that decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date information. This reliance on official data sources helps to prevent misinformation and ensures that all educational institutions are operating on the same factual basis. The ministry’s reminder to refer to existing circulars also helps to maintain consistency in the application of these measures across different regions and institutions.

The autonomy granted to higher education institutions for API readings above 201 allows for flexibility in how universities and colleges respond to the haze. This flexibility is important given the diverse nature of higher education institutions and their specific operational requirements. However, the requirement to monitor API readings and adjust outdoor activities ensures that this autonomy is exercised responsibly and in line with the broader public health objectives.

The Education Ministry’s directive is a clear signal of the government’s priority in protecting students during environmental crises. By setting clear thresholds for action and providing detailed instructions on implementation, the ministry has created a framework for managing the impact of haze on education. This framework is designed to be adaptable, allowing for adjustments as the situation changes, while always keeping the health and safety of students at the forefront.

The immediate closure of schools in areas with API readings above 200 is a significant measure that underscores the severity of the haze conditions. It reflects the ministry’s recognition that certain levels of air pollution are too dangerous for students to be in a school environment. By closing schools in these areas, the ministry is taking a proactive step to prevent health issues and ensure that students are in a safe environment.

The implementation of PdPR in closed areas ensures that education does not come to a halt, even when physical attendance is not possible. This continuity of learning is for maintaining academic progress and minimizing the disruption caused by the haze.

The ministry’s emphasis on taking into account the prevailing circumstances and the health, safety, and welfare of students ensures that PdPR is implemented in a way that is both effective and considerate of the students’ needs.

The collaboration with nearby clinics and hospitals is a component of the ministry’s response. By establishing this link between schools and healthcare providers, the ministry ensures that any health complications arising from the haze can be addressed quickly and efficiently. This collaboration is particularly important for students who may have pre-existing health conditions or who are more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.

The ministry’s instructions on water supply and hydration are practical measures that address the immediate physical needs of students. By ensuring that clean drinking water is available and encouraging students to drink sufficient water, the ministry is helping to prevent dehydration and heat-related issues. This is particularly important in areas where the haze is accompanied by hot and dry weather, which can exacerbate the health risks associated with poor air quality.

The overall response from the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry demonstrates a coordinated and comprehensive approach to managing the impact of haze on education. By setting clear guidelines, providing detailed instructions, and emphasizing the importance of monitoring and collaboration, the ministries are working to protect students while ensuring that education continues. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to the well-being of students and its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

As the haze situation continues to evolve, the ministries will remain vigilant and responsive to changes in air quality. The use of real-time data and the flexibility to adjust operational approaches ensure that the response remains effective and relevant. The priority on student health and safety remains unwavering, guiding all decisions and actions taken by the education authorities.

The directive serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptability in the face of environmental challenges. By having clear protocols in place, the education sector is better equipped to handle the impact of haze on students and staff. This preparedness helps to minimize disruption and ensure that the health and safety of students are protected, even in the midst of a crisis.

The immediate action taken by the Johor Education Department in Batu Pahat highlights the practical application of these guidelines. It shows that the directives are not just theoretical but are being implemented on the ground where they are needed most. This real-world application reinforces the credibility and effectiveness of the ministry’s response, demonstrating a commitment to protecting students in areas most affected by the haze.

The emphasis on monitoring API readings through the Department of Environment’s system ensures that all decisions are based on reliable data. This data-driven approach helps to prevent overreaction or underreaction to the haze situation, ensuring that actions are proportionate to the level of risk. The ministry’s reminder to refer to existing circulars also helps to maintain consistency and clarity in the implementation of these measures.

The autonomy given to higher education institutions for API readings above 201 allows for a tailored response that takes into account the specific needs of universities and colleges. This flexibility is important in ensuring that the response is effective and appropriate for the higher education context. However, the requirement to monitor API readings and adjust outdoor activities ensures that this autonomy is exercised in a way that aligns with the broader public health goals.

The Education Ministry’s statement, released yesterday, clearly articulated the priority of student welfare, health, and safety.