Kuala lumpur: The Education Ministry (MoE) has directed all educational institutions under its purview to immediately suspend outdoor activities, including gatherings and outdoor sports, in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 100, amid hot weather and haze. Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the directive had been issued to state education departments (JPN) and district education offices (PPD) to safeguard the welfare and safety of students.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MoE has advised all educational institutions to refer to Circular No. 5/2016 dated April 26, 2016, regarding preparations by schools to protect the welfare, health, and safety of students during prolonged hot and dry weather. Educational institutions are also encouraged to consult Circular No. 1/2019 dated January 15, 2019, which outlines measures to ensure student health and safety in schools located in areas where haze conditions are critical.
Dr Mohd Azam stated that venues for ongoing sports events organized at the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) and Islamic Education Division (BPI) levels would be relocated to safer areas or moved indoors as needed, based on the latest API readings. He emphasized the importance of implementing preventive measures, including monitoring activities that could expose students to hot weather, to safeguard their health.
He also highlighted the necessity of ensuring an adequate supply of clean drinking water at MoE educational institutions and encouraged students to bring their own drinking water. Relevant authorities should advise students to drink sufficient water to regulate their body temperature. Drinking water should be provided to boarding school students if conditions become critical and no other source is available.
Dr Mohd Azam urged JPN, PPD, and all educational institutions under the MoE to remain vigilant and collaborate with nearby clinics and hospitals should students experience any complications due to haze and hot weather. Additionally, educational institutions should regularly monitor API readings and the latest status via the Department of Environment (DoE) website at https://eqms.doe.gov.my/APIMS/main to protect the health of students and education personnel.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that the latest data indicated about 30 areas nationwide had recorded unhealthy API readings.