SCHOOLS must comply with guidelines following the smog that is affecting some areas in the country, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said.

She said the guidelines, among others, stipulate that schools cannot conduct outdoor activities if the air pollution index (API) reading exceeded 100.

“We often emphasise that the guidelines apply to everyone and must be followed to avoid any untoward incident,” she told reporters after closing the national-level Mahrajan Al-Quran programme in Kuantan today.

The number of areas recording unhealthy API readings this morning rose to 16 in nine states, with Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recording the highest reading at 164.

“We will seek the advice of the Health Ministry from time to time regarding recommendations to close (schools) or wear masks,” she said.

When asked on the teacher shortage, Fadhlina said it was temporary and the ministry was working together with the Education Service Commission to address the problem.

“The shortage is temporary. We have just completed interviews for one-off recruitment and are in the process of hiring on a contract-of-service basis,” she said.

The media previously reported that the National Union of the Teaching Profession claimed that schools across the country were experiencing a shortage of more than 20,000 teachers, which needed to be solved immediately.

On the Mahrajan Al-Quran programme, Fadhlina said the annual event was attended by 688 participants from primary and secondary schools.

She said the programme aims to develop the potential and personality of students besides improving their ability and courage. – Bernama, October 2, 2023.