School closure decision for Perak expected today amid worsening haze

PERAK, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

IPOH, Malaysia – Perak state education committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah said parents will be told between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. today whether schools in the state will stay closed tomorrow because of deteriorating haze conditions.

He added that the Education Department has already arranged for home‑based learning to continue if physical classes are suspended. “Teaching and learning will continue as usual through home‑based learning,” Khairudin said, underscoring that the contingency plan is in place to minimise disruption to students’ studies.

The announcement follows a Friday order that schools in Kinta Utara, Kinta Selatan and Kuala Kangsar shut down after API levels rose to unhealthy ranges. Those closures affected hundreds of students and prompted parents to seek clarification on whether the measures would be extended. Khairudin’s forthcoming statement is therefore expected to provide the next step for the affected districts.

In addition to the haze issue, Khairudin briefed reporters on several bullying investigations that are currently under police review. He said police are probing claims that two teenage brothers were bullied in separate incidents at a secondary religious school in Chemor. The authorities have convened a meeting between the parties involved in an effort to resolve the matter, he said.

The chairman also referenced a separate allegation made on Monday by single mother Noor Azwani Ahamad, 43, who claimed her two sons had been assaulted and bullied in distinct incidents. Khairudin confirmed that police are examining those complaints and that discussions have been held with the families to seek a settlement.

A further case involves an 11‑year‑old boy who, according to Khairudin, was allegedly assaulted by his teacher at a school in Pengkalan Hulu on 23 September. “When a police report is lodged, the matter is handed over to the police for investigation. If any offence or breach is established, the police will take further action,” he said, adding that the boy’s parents might remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the mediation.

The haze situation and the bullying investigations were raised during the same press briefing that also highlighted the turnout at the National Sports Day event. Khairudin said between 3,000 and 5,000 people attended the celebrations despite unfavourable weather. “Although the weather has not been favourable, the response from the people of Perak has been good, and this morning’s celebrations have been running smoothly,” he said.

The education committee’s pending decision on school closures is expected to influence daily commuting patterns and local business activity, particularly in the affected districts where parents may need to arrange transport for home‑based learning. Retail outlets near schools often see a dip in foot traffic during closures, while online learning platforms could see a surge in usage.

Khairudin’s remarks also signal that the state government is coordinating closely with the Education Department and the police to manage both public health and safety concerns. The API‑based approach to school closures aligns with national guidelines that trigger shutdowns when readings exceed the unhealthy threshold, a policy designed to protect children from prolonged exposure to haze‑related pollutants.

The next update is slated for today’s 2 p.m.‑3 p.m. window, after which schools in any area still registering unhealthy API levels will remain closed, and home‑based learning will be implemented. Police investigations into the bullying and assault allegations will continue, with any findings to be acted upon by law‑enforcement agencies.

Related: Perak state education committee · Perak