Kuala lumpur: The Penang Education Department (JPNPP) has mandated all District Education Offices (PPD) and schools in the state to enhance their preparedness strategies to ensure the care, welfare, and safety of students and educational staff amid worsening haze conditions. JPNPP is actively monitoring the haze situation and the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings across Penang, urging schools to continuously track these readings and stay vigilant for any new warnings.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, all outdoor activities are required to cease when the API exceeds 100, and schools are instructed to close when the reading surpasses 200. In situations where the API reading goes beyond 500, teachers and implementation team members are exempt from reporting to school, following existing regulations. Additionally, JPNPP has advised schools to maintain an adequate supply of drinking water, promote sufficient water intake among students, and limit exposure to outdoor air.

Special care should be provided to students with existing health issues or symptoms of illness, and the utilization of face masks by students and school personnel is recommended where necessary. Schools are also required to report the measures they have implemented to the PPD and JPNPP to aid in monitoring and coordinating actions at the state level.

As of 2 pm today, Minden, Seberang Perai, and Balik Pulau were among the 29 areas nationwide that recorded unhealthy API readings, according to the Department of Environment (DOE).