JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- All schools in Johor will be closed for two days from tomorrow due to haze and deteriorating air quality across the state.
State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the decision was made on the orders of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail as a precautionary measure to safeguard the safety and health of students.
He said during the closure, Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) would be implemented to ensure learning could continue.
Schools involved in the Year Four Learning Matrix (MPT4) or any assessments will have the relevant activities postponed and rescheduled, subject to directives by the Johor Education Department (JPNJ) and relevant authorities.
“The state government understands that this decision may affect the arrangements of parents and guardians who still need to work.
“Therefore, the cooperation and consideration of employers are greatly appreciated in providing appropriate flexibility to affected parents, including reasonable work arrangements according to the needs of their respective organisations,” he said in a statement.
Dr Muhammad Naqib said the state government, together with relevant agencies, would continue to monitor Air Pollutant Index (API) readings from time to time.
He said the school closure required some adjustments by all parties, but the safety and health of children must remain a shared priority.
Parents and guardians are also urged to monitor their children’s health, reduce outdoor activities and ensure they drink enough water.
“Immediate medical attention should be sought if they experience symptoms such as coughing, sore throat or difficulty breathing,” he said.
-- BERNAMA