Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) would be implemented when Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeded 200, causing schools to close. 

“When the API readings exceed 100, we will immediately stop outside activities and monitor all other situations.  If the readings exceed 200, schools will be closed and PdPR will be implemented. 

“We ask all schools to monitor the API readings from time to time and comply with the guidelines and instructions related to weather safety… we have experience in handling this and we will continue as usual, no problem,” she told reporters after opening the 3rd International Conference on Educational Leadership and Management at Institut Aminuddin Baki today. 

Yesterday, Fadhlina urged schools to cease outside activities when API readings reached 100 due to the current smog.    

As of 10am today, the Air Pollutant Index Management System website under the Department of Environment recorded unhealthy API readings in seven areas of which Nilai in Negri Sembilan was the highest with a reading of 157 followed by Cheras in Kuala Lumpur with 155. 

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates that air quality is good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and above 300, hazardous. 

On the issue of education autonomy rights involving Sabah and Sarawak, she said the matter was still being evaluated by the special committee on Malaysia Agreement 1963. – Bernama, October 3, 2023.