Haze: Schools in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu open tomorrow

KEDAH, KELANTAN, TERENGGANU, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Schools and educational institutions in the northern and eastern states of Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will resume normal operations on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following a significant improvement in air quality conditions.

This development marks a temporary reprieve in the ongoing haze crisis that has disrupted academic schedules across the region, allowing students and educators to return to classrooms after a period of precautionary closures.

The decision to reopen schools is part of a broader, dynamic monitoring strategy implemented by the Education Ministry (MOE) to balance educational continuity with public health safety. Minister Sidek stated that the ministry will continue to monitor air quality developments on an ongoing basis, indicating that the operational status of schools remains contingent on real-time environmental data.

The announcement serves as a critical update for parents, teachers, and local authorities in the affected states, who have been navigating shifting guidelines in response to the fluctuating severity of the haze. By confirming normal operations for Sunday, the ministry signals that the immediate health risks in these specific areas have subsided sufficiently to permit standard academic activities.

The current operational framework for school closures was established in response to the escalating haze conditions earlier in the week. The MOE had previously directed all educational institutions under its purview in areas where API readings exceeded 180 to close their doors starting October 9. This threshold represents a "very poor" air quality level, where health effects may begin to appear in healthy people and those with lung or heart disease.

In addition to the immediate closure mandate for high-pollution zones, the ministry implemented a secondary rule for areas recording API readings above 150 for three consecutive days. Institutions in such areas are mandated to close from October 12, providing a buffer period for sustained poor air quality to be addressed before further disruptions occur.

The primary objective of these closure directives is to protect the health and safety of students and educators from the harmful effects of haze. Prolonged exposure to high levels of particulate matter can exacerbate respiratory conditions, reduce lung function, and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, particularly among children and the elderly.

By linking school operations directly to API thresholds, the Education Ministry aims to minimize unnecessary exposure while ensuring that educational progress is not unduly compromised. The decision to reopen schools in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu reflects a targeted approach, where regions with improved air quality are allowed to resume normalcy while others may still face restrictions based on their specific environmental conditions.

The haze affecting Malaysia has become a recurring seasonal challenge, often linked to transboundary smoke from agricultural burning in neighboring regions. While the source does not provide specific meteorological details or the exact origin of the current smoke plume, the implementation of strict API-based closure protocols highlights the government's preparedness for such events. The Education Ministry’s proactive communication through official channels, including Facebook statements, ensures that stakeholders receive timely and accurate information.

This transparency is crucial in maintaining public trust and allowing families to plan their daily routines effectively during periods of environmental uncertainty.

For the education sector, the shift from closure to normal operations requires rapid logistical adjustments. Schools in the three states must prepare for the immediate return of students, ensuring that any missed instructional time is addressed and that health protocols are in place should air quality deteriorate again. The ministry’s commitment to ongoing monitoring suggests that the situation remains fluid, and further announcements may be issued if API levels rise again.

This adaptive management approach is essential in a region where weather patterns and regional burning activities can cause sudden changes in air quality within a matter of days.

The broader implications of the haze extend beyond the education sector, affecting public health, transportation, and economic activities. However, the focus of the current directive remains on the welfare of the student body and teaching staff. By prioritizing health and safety, the Education Ministry underscores its responsibility to provide a safe learning environment.

The successful reopening of schools in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu serves as a positive indicator that the haze intensity in these areas is decreasing, offering a moment of stability for the communities involved.

As the country continues to deal with the haze, the Education Ministry’s actions reflect a balance between precaution and practicality. The decision to allow schools to operate as usual on October 11 is based on the current API readings being under control, but the ministry remains vigilant. The next critical date to watch is October 12, when institutions in areas with sustained high API readings (above 150 for three days) will be required to close.

This forward-looking measure ensures that the response to the haze is not only reactive but also anticipatory, protecting the long-term health of the population while maintaining the integrity of the academic calendar. The situation will continue to evolve as air quality data is updated, with the Education Ministry poised to issue further directives as necessary.

Related: Education Ministry · Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek