IPOH, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- All religious schools and Islamic education institutions (IPIs) in Perak have been instructed to monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings issued by the Department of Environment (DOE) at all times and take appropriate action based on air pollution levels in their respective areas.
The state’s Registrar of Religious Schools and Islamic Education Institutions said, in a statement today, that all IPI premises in areas recording API readings above 180 must be closed from today, subject to verification of the readings and instructions from the relevant authorities.
For areas recording API readings above 150 for three consecutive days, the affected IPI premises must be closed from Monday, Oct 12, 2026, subject to verification and instructions from the relevant authorities.
“Islamic education institutions affected by the closures should implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR), where appropriate. The implementation of PdPR should take into account students’ capabilities, access and needs, as well as teachers’ readiness.
“Institution management must ensure that PdPR is carried out in an orderly manner and does not burden students or teachers,” said the statement shared by Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) director Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim when contacted by Bernama.
The statement said the management of state IPIs must continuously monitor haze conditions in their respective areas and take appropriate action to ensure the safety, health and welfare of students, teachers and all members of the educational institutions.
Any examinations, assessments, official programmes and educational activities scheduled during the haze period must also be subject to the latest instructions and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.
“Institution management must seek confirmation from the relevant authorities if there are any changes to the instructions,” it said.
It will continue to monitor developments in the haze situation and work with the relevant agencies to ensure that the safety, health and welfare of all members of Perak's IPIs remain a priority.
The registrar also welcomed His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s decree and concern regarding the safety and health of students and teachers amid the haze currently affecting the country.
According to the DOE’s Air Pollutant Index Management System portal, five areas in Perak recorded unhealthy API readings as of 11.30 am today. Tasek Ipoh recorded the highest reading at 186, followed by Pegoh Ipoh and Tanjung Malim at 174 each, Seri Manjung at 159 and Taiping at 125.
-- BERNAMA