Malaysian students allowed to stay at home as annual haze crisis begins
Air pollution readings are hovering around 90, with outdoor activities to be cancelled if the mark exceeds 100
The thick smog has cast a grey screen over the capital’s skyline, leaving many complaining of burning smells and eye and throat irritation in the latest episode of Southeast Asia’s recurring transboundary haze crisis.
On Wednesday, Selangor state Public Health and Environment Executive Councillor Jamaliah Jamaluddin said parents concerned about the haze could opt to keep their children home until the situation improved.
“Principals and headmasters are also asked to monitor the current air pollution index (API) readings via the official website of the Department of Environment (DOE) to enable immediate and appropriate action to be taken,” Jamaliah said in a statement.
She added that schools must close if the API reached 200. Readings across the state are hovering around 90, with education ministry guidelines requiring all outdoor activities to be cancelled when the index exceeds 100.
“As of today, the Selangor State Health Department has informed that no cases of illness linked to the haze phenomenon have been reported in Selangor, and no cases of heatstroke have been recorded in the state,” Jamaliah said, adding that the public should remain vigilant.