Ipoh:Perak All educational institutions under the Ministry of Education within the Kinta Utara, Kinta Selatan, and Kuala Kangsar District Education Offices have been ordered to close immediately. This decision follows an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 180 recorded at the Tasek Ipoh monitoring station as of 11 am today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak State Education Director Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar stated that the affected schools and institutions are to remain closed for the specified period. Schools are required to implement Teaching and Learning from Home (PdPR) to ensure continuity of education, considering students' capabilities and access as well as teachers' preparedness.

Teachers and support staff are instructed to work from home during the closure, adhering to current directives and operational needs. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed through official updates from the Perak State Education Department regarding the reopening dates for schools.

Additionally, Zulkafli emphasized that schools should continuously monitor the situation, prioritizing the safety, health, and well-being of students and the educational community. The Perak State Education Department is prepared to monitor API readings and determine further actions according to Ministry of Education guidelines.

The Perak JPN expressed gratitude for the concern and royal decree of His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, regarding the safety and health of students amid the haze situation. As of 100 pm, five areas in Perak reported unhealthy API levels, with Tasek Ipoh having the highest reading, followed by Pegoh Ipoh, Tanjung Malim, Seri Manjung, and Taiping.