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Heads up, students and parents: if Malaysia's air quality gets worse, classes will be switching to home-based teaching and learning
According to the Education Ministry (MOE), schools will do so if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 200, which falls under the "very unhealthy" category.
The ministry has a clear plan in place to protect students' health during the haze, in collaboration with the relevant ministries
According to FMT, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that schools will shift online once the API hits 200, in line with existing guidelines set by the health and environment ministries.
"Outdoor activities are already prohibited once the API exceeds 100. But if it goes beyond 200, classes will move online," she said after officiating the 2024 Digital Utilisation and Technology Awards yesterday, 22 July.
She added that all state education directors have already been instructed to monitor local API readings and to act immediately.
As of 4pm yesterday, API readings showed "unhealthy levels" in a few areas
According to the Department of Environment, these include:
– Nilai, Negeri Sembilan: 116
– Johan Setia, Selangor: 154
While these aren't in the "very unhealthy" zone yet, the numbers warrant close monitoring, and the education ministry says it is ready to act.
You can check the current API readings for locations across Malaysia here.
What exactly is the API, and why does it matter?
The Air Pollutant Index (API) is used to measure the quality of the air. Here's a quick breakdown:
– 0–50: Good
– 51–100: Moderate
– 101–200: Unhealthy
– 201–300: Very Unhealthy
– 301 and above: Hazardous
Protecting your health is especially important at this time. Read here to find out which masks offer the best protection during the haze.
