Haze: Schools remain open in six states, KL and Putrajaya tomorrow, outdoor activities halted

Schools in several haze-affected states and the federal territories will remain open, although outdoor activities have been suspended. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 8:32 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Schools in Melaka, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang and Penang, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, will operate as usual tomorrow, with outdoor activities have been suspended due to the haze.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, the state Education Department (JPNS) said in a statement today that all educational institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) would operate as usual. However, the Final Academic Session Exam (UASA) scheduled during this period must be postponed and rescheduled by the respective schools.

The postponement also applies to all internal school examinations, in line with the MOE’s statement dated October 15. All outdoor activities must be suspended if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading exceeds 100.

In MELAKA, SELANGOR, PUTRAJAYA and KUALA LUMPUR, school administrators were instructed to monitor API readings issued by the Department of Environment and pay particular attention to pupils at higher risk.

In PAHANG, the state Education Department said schools in Rompin, Bentong and Cameron Highlands would operate tomorrow, but all outdoor activities would be suspended.

Schools in other districts would operate as usual, with any changes to be announced through the respective District Education Offices.

The PERAK Education Department urged everyone to remain alert to developments and heed the authorities’ advice on the haze.

In PENANG, the state Education Department encouraged pupils to drink sufficient water and instructed schools to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.

Pupils and school staff are also encouraged to wear face masks as a precaution, particularly those experiencing respiratory symptoms or belonging to high-risk groups.

The education departments in Melaka, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Penang, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, have also given parents and guardians who are concerned about their children’s health the option of keeping them at home, provided they inform the school.

Earlier, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said that decisions on school closures due to the haze were made jointly by the MOE, the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), based on the expertise of each ministry.

She said the decisions took into account air quality monitoring and the health risks to pupils, as well as the impact on learning if schools remained closed for too long.

Meanwhile, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia has urged the government, private sector and local communities to take proactive, collective action to address the physical and psychological effects of haze on students and families.

Her Majesty stressed the importance of community cooperation to strengthen the effectiveness of home-based teaching and learning (PdPR), as well as developing long-term strategies to deal with the haze. — Bernama