Schools closed due to haze to reopen tomorrow

PETALING JAYA: All 202 schools closed as a result of hazardous level of haze on Friday have been directed to reopen as usual tomorrow, said Second Deputy Education Minister, P. Kamalanathan.
He said the latest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading showed air quality was safe and all schooling activities could resume as normal.
However, principals and headmasters in the country have been directed to adhere to the circular on haze issued by the ministry earlier this month.
"Don't wait for the API index to reach 200. In fact, instructions have been given to all schools that the moment the API hits 100, teachers have been told to keep children with diseases and breathing problems indoor.
"And the moment the API touches 150, schools have to cancel all outdoor activities," he said when met by reporters at a marathon dance organised by the National Kidney Foundation in conjunction with World Kidney Day, here today.
The Education Ministry had earlier ordered all schools to be closed if the API reading exceeded 200 which is a very unhealthy level.
Last week, the Selangor Education Department directed 131 schools in the Klang district and 71 schools in Kuala Langat to be closed on Friday when the API reading breached very unhealthy levels in the two districts.
Kamalanathan also directed schools to be alert of the air quality in their respective areas as sometimes the API reading issued by the Department of Environment in its website did not reflect the actual air quality in their areas. – Bernama