Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang and Penang schools resume Oct 19, masks encouraged

File picture of a mother helping her child put on a face mask. Schools in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang and Penang will reopen and resume normal operations tomorrow. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 6:06 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, and Penang will reopen and resume normal operations tomorrow.

In SELANGOR, the State Education Department (JPN) said that outdoor activities are to be suspended, and students attending school are encouraged to wear face masks.

School administrators are required to continuously monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and pay special attention to high-risk students.

“Parents or guardians who are concerned about their children’s health may choose not to send them to school, provided that they notify the school,” the statement read.

The Selangor Education Department also advised all relevant parties to rely solely on official channels or the schools themselves to obtain accurate and up-to-date information.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN,  the State Education Department has announced that the End-of-Academic-Session Examinations (UASA) scheduled for this period must be postponed and rescheduled by the respective schools, in light of the haze currently affecting the country.

“This directive also applies to all internal examinations conducted by the schools. All outdoor activities must be halted if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 100,” the statement read.

In MELAKA, the State Education Department (JPN) said that school administrators must continuously monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings provided by the Department of Environment (DOE) and pay special attention to high-risk students.

The Melaka JPN also advised parents, guardians, and the school community to regularly check official communication channels, either the Melaka JPN or the respective schools, to obtain accurate and up-to-date information.

Meanwhile, in PAHANG, the State Education Department (JPN) said that all schools in the Bentong district will continue to operate as usual. However, all outdoor activities are to be postponed until further notice.

All schools in other districts are operating as usual.

“Any changes regarding school operations will be announced through the official channels of the Pahang State Education Department (JPN Pahang) and the respective District Education Offices (PPD),” the statement added.

A similar situation was also reported in Penang, where the Penang Education Department (JPNPP) issued a statement encouraging students to wear face masks and stay well-hydrated, while also requesting that schools ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.

“The JPNPP will continue to monitor air quality developments to ensure that the safety, health, and well-being of students and the educational community remain a top priority,” it stated. — Bernama