Schools in areas with API readings above 200 must close - Ministry

Schools have to cease all activities outside the classroom if the API rises above the 150 mark, as per the National Haze Action Plan, it said in a statement.

It also said heads of schools have to inform the district education office and the state education department if there is a need to close their schools.

"The schools must contact the parents of students/pupils who encounter health problems at school due to the haze as well as refer the matter to the district health office or nearest health clinic," the ministry said.

The ministry said it took a serious view of current haze situation and regularly monitors the latest API status in areas where the reading exceeds 100.

It also said all heads of schools were reminded to always monitor the API reading in their own areas through the smartphone application MyIPU or through the Department of Environment website www.doe.gov.my.

The school administration must comply with the circular issued by the Education Ministry on the haze dated Aug 7, 2013, as well as the circular on the guidelines for student health care during the hot season issued on Feb 26, 2014, which are still in force, it added.