Haze: Penang schools remain open, outdoor activities suspended

GEORGE TOWN: Penang schools will continue operating as usual, but all outdoor activities must be postponed amid the haze, said the state Education Department.

The department said it was monitoring Air Pollutant Index (API) readings around the clock across four stations in Minden, Seberang Jaya, Seberang Prai, and Balik Pulau.

As of 9.55pm, the average API reading had dropped by 4.5 points from 129 to 124.5.

In a Facebook statement, the department said it took the royal decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on safeguarding the health and welfare of students and school personnel.

"For now, schools in Penang will continue to operate as usual based on current API readings. However, all outdoor activities must be postponed," it said.

The department said these measures aligned with the Education Ministry's directive issued yesterday.

It added that educational institutions must act if haze conditions reach or exceed guidelines, including modifying, postponing, or cancelling outdoor activities.

The department urged parents to monitor their children's health and stay updated via official ministry, department, and school channels.

"Close cooperation between schools and parents is essential to safeguarding students' welfare throughout the haze episode," it added.

The King had advised that schools in areas with prolonged API readings between 150 and 180 be closed due to worsening conditions.

Last night, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said schools in four states, including one district in Pahang, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, would close today due to worsening haze.