Ipoh:Perak All religious schools and Islamic education institutions in Perak have been instructed to closely monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings provided by the Department of Environment (DOE) and take appropriate actions based on the air pollution levels in their areas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state's Registrar of Religious Schools and Islamic Education Institutions announced that all institutions in areas with API readings exceeding 180 must close immediately, pending verification and instructions from relevant authorities. Additionally, if API readings surpass 150 for three consecutive days, closures will begin from Monday, October 12, 2026, subject to the same conditions.

Islamic education institutions affected by closures should implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) as necessary. The PdPR implementation should consider students' access and needs, as well as teachers' readiness. Institution management must ensure that the PdPR is conducted efficiently and does not overburden students or teachers.

The statement, shared by Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) director Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim, emphasized that institutions must continually monitor the haze situation and act to safeguard the safety, health, and welfare of students, teachers, and staff. Any scheduled examinations, assessments, official programmes, and educational activities during the haze period must adhere to the latest guidelines from authorities.

The registrar also noted the importance of seeking confirmation from authorities if any changes to instructions occur. The department will continue to monitor the haze conditions and collaborate with relevant agencies to prioritize the safety and health of all members of Perak's Islamic education institutions.

The registrar welcomed the concern and decree from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, regarding the safety and health of students and teachers amid the ongoing haze in the country.

As of 11.30 am today, the DOE's Air Pollutant Index Management System portal reported unhealthy API readings in five areas of Perak. 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.