TEACHERS in areas with unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API 101-200) readings have been advised to be creative in coming up with activities to replace those outside the classroom.

National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said schools need to think of alternatives for teachers and students to avoid being exposed to health risks due to the smoke.

“Co-curricular activities do not necessarily need to be carried out outside the classroom. During the pandemic, the ministry taught all parties to be more creative with co-curricular activities that do not require teachers and students to be outside,” he told Bernama today.

Fouzi suggested schools reinstate activities carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic to protect students’ health.

Competitions held over YouTube, writing exercises and scrapbooking were among activities teachers held for students during the pandemic, which could also be done amid smoggy conditions, he said.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman reminded schools located in areas with unhealthy API not to organise outdoor activities.

“Those who organise outdoor activities need to monitor API readings and cancel activities immediately if the reading exceeds 100.

“The smog can cause respiratory problems, notably for children whose lung functions and immune systems are not developed enough,” she said.

Malina advised students in areas with poor air quality to wear face masks while at school, especially outside the classroom.

Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said home-based teaching and learning would only be implemented if API readings exceed 200, as schools would be closed.

As of yesterday, the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS) website showed seven areas with unhealthy API readings, with Nilai in Negri Sembilan still the worst affected area (API 157), while Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recorded an API of 155. – Bernama, October 4, 2023.