Batu Pahat:Schools, kindergartens, and nurseries in the district have been closed following a 'very unhealthy' Air Pollutant Index (API) reading, gaining strong support from Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) and parents who see the move as crucial for protecting students' health and safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the closure decision was backed by SMK Dato' Bentara Luar PTA deputy president Mohd Hamidi Mad Tap, who emphasized the importance of minimizing students' exposure to respiratory health risks caused by the haze. He encouraged parents to supervise their children at home and ensure they continue with home-based learning during the closure.

Mohd Hamidi stated that the closure, effective today, could be extended if necessary, and urged parents to adhere to ministry directives. He also advised ensuring children stay hydrated and wear appropriate face masks, like N95 masks, if they must leave home for emergencies.

The school and PTA have reassured parents that students' academic progress will be maintained through home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) conducted via official platforms such as Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and Telegram, as per Education Ministry procedures.

Md Khadis Liman supported the continuation of PdPR, highlighting its effectiveness in keeping students learning despite the closure of school facilities. He drew parallels with previous experiences during the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children's health.

Haziq Safwan Hadi Sarhan, an 11-year-old pupil at SK Sri Medan, expressed his surprise at the sudden closure, noting some apprehension about concentrating on PdPR sessions from morning until noon.

Parent Muhammad Nur Ridzuan Khairi Adzhar, 36, agreed with the closure, particularly for primary schools, citing younger children's vulnerability to health issues from the haze. He expressed hope for stable internet connectivity in rural areas to ensure uninterrupted PdPR sessions.

A check by Bernama at several schools in the district revealed compliance with the closure order, leaving school compounds deserted. The Batu Pahat District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) initiated the closure after the API reached 203 at 8 pm, affecting 176 Education Ministry schools, 106 Johor Government Religious Schools, and 53 private Islamic educational institutions.