Haze: Melaka schools to reopen tomorrow - Exco
Melaka’s state education agencies said all public schools and higher‑learning institutions will reopen on 12 October after the Air Pollution Index (API) fell to “moderate” levels, below the 100‑point threshold.
Source: Sinar Harian · October 11, 2026 at 11:02 AM · AI-assisted report
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MELAKA, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —
Melaka’s state education agencies said all public schools and higher‑learning institutions will reopen on 12 October after the Air Pollution Index (API) fell to “moderate” levels, below the 100‑point threshold.
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Datuk Rahmad Mariman, Melaka’s Exco for Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs, announced the decision on Thursday, noting that the reopening takes into account the latest air‑quality readings and the need to safeguard the safety, health and welfare of students, teachers and staff.
He instructed school administrators to “take appropriate steps to ensure smooth operation of their institutions and comply with current directives and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities,” according to a statement released by the state education department.
The API data, drawn from the Malaysia Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS), showed moderate readings of 91 at Alor Gajah, 94 at Bukit Rambai and 96 in Melaka City as of 2 p.m. on Thursday. The figures kept the index under the 100‑point level that would trigger emergency school closures, the ministry’s criteria for halting classes during severe haze events.
The Exco’s statement also urged parents and guardians to continue monitoring their children’s health and to seek medical attention if any symptoms linked to air pollution appear. “Any change to operating instructions will be communicated through official channels of the Melaka State Education Department (JPN),” he added.
The decision follows a series of school suspensions across Malaysia earlier this year when API levels surged above 100 in several states, prompting the Ministry of Education to issue nationwide guidance on temporary closures and remote learning. Melaka’s latest readings mark the first moderate‑level measurement since the haze episode that began in late September, allowing authorities to restore normal classroom activities while maintaining vigilance.
Education officials in Melaka expressed appreciation for the cooperation of school staff, parents and health agencies in managing the situation. “We value the concern shown by all parties in ensuring continuity of education and the safety of the entire education community in Melaka,” the statement said.
The reopening will enable students to resume face‑to‑face instruction, which the education ministry has highlighted as essential for learning outcomes, especially in subjects requiring laboratory work and practical engagement. It also alleviates logistical pressures on families who have been juggling remote‑learning arrangements and childcare during the haze.
The state education department will continue to monitor air‑quality data and will issue further updates if the API rises again. All communications will be routed through JPN Melaka’s official channels, ensuring that any future adjustments to school operations are promptly relayed to institutions and the public.
Related: Melaka State Education Department · Datuk Rahmad Mariman · Melaka