Haze forces closure of all schools in Batu Pahat tomorrow

 The air pollutant index reading in the district reached 203 at 8pm.

The Batu Pahat disaster management committee said any decision regarding the reopening of schools shall be based on developments in air quality and official directives from the authorities. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Batu Pahat disaster management committee has ordered the temporary closure of all schools, kindergartens, and nurseries in the district tomorrow following worsening haze conditions.

In a statement, the committee said the decision was based on the air pollutant index (API) reading in Batu Pahat which reached 203 at 8pm, indicating a very unhealthy level.

“Schools shall conduct home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) if directed by the education ministry, the Johor education department or Batu Pahat district education office, subject to the prevailing directives and guidelines,” it said.

The committee said schools must inform parents or guardians of the method of conducting PdPR, students’ assignments and communication channels through the schools’ official channels.

The committee also said the decision to implement the closures was made in accordance with the National Haze Action Plan and the guidelines of the education ministry.

“Any decision regarding the reopening of schools shall be based on developments in air quality and official directives from the authorities,” it said.

Johor was the worst hit earlier this evening with the API in Batu Pahat reaching 196 at 5pm, followed by Segamat (171), Pasir Gudang (171), Tangkak (171), Kluang (168), Larkin (166), Kota Tinggi (162) and Pengerang (160).

API readings of between zero and 50 are categorised as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and 301 and above as hazardous. - FMT