FIFTY schools in Kuala Lumpur have been ordered to close today after the air pollutant index (API) crossed the very unhealthy mark of 200 points as the smoke in the Klang Valley worsens.

The Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Education Department said the schools affected are within a 5km radius of Petaling Jaya.

“As a precaution, the department has decided to close 50 schools as the air quality in the Klang Valley worsened.

“The department will inform the public on the latest development from time to time,” the statement said.

Close to 43,000 students from these 50 schools are affected.

Earlier this morning, Selangor ordered the closure of 538 schools due to the air quality reaching very unhealthy levels.

The Selangor Education Department said 10 districts are registering above 200 points on the API.

“The air levels in Selangor, especially in Shah Alam, Klang, Petaling Jaya, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Sepang, Sabak Bernam, Hulu Langat and Kuala Selangor have all reached very unhealthy levels from midnight to 6am today.

“As per the instruction from the Education Ministry, the department has ordered 538 schools in the state to be closed until air quality improves,” it said on its Facebook page.

As of 10am, the air quality in Klang Valley has not improved.

Putrajaya, Kuala Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, and Johan Setia are still in the very unhealthy category with API readings between 203 and 261.

An API reading of 0-50 indicates good air quality; 51-100, moderate; 101-200, unhealthy; 201-300, very unhealthy; and 300 and above, hazardous. – September 18, 2019.