Haze impact on Malaysian schools and education

Haze conditions in Malaysia have led to various precautionary measures regarding education and outdoor activities. In Labuan, all 27 schools remained operational despite the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching 158, though all outdoor classroom activities, including physical education and assemblies, were suspended to prevent student exposure.

As conditions deteriorated in Selangor, the state government began considering more significant interventions. Authorities indicated that if the API exceeds 200, the state may postpone the Religious Primary School Assessment (PSRA) and implement school closures. If the API reaches 300, a state of emergency may be requested. Several areas in Selangor, including Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya, have already recorded unhealthy API levels, and the government is evaluating the distribution of face masks to students if the haze persists.

In Sarawak, the Serian district has seen all 108 schools temporarily closed after the API reached 217, a level categorized as ‘very unhealthy.’ To maintain educational continuity, the Sarawak State Education Department announced that students will transition to Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR). Unhealthy API levels have also been recorded across much of Sarawak, including Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri, as well as Bukit Rambai in Melaka.

Health experts, including Dr. Sapna Shridhar Patil from Taylor’s University, have cautioned that protection for children should not rely solely on API readings. Because children’s lungs and immune systems are still developing, experts advise families and schools to monitor for symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, headaches, and breathing difficulties.