KUANTAN, Oct 2 — Schools are asked to comply with the set guidelines following the haze that is affecting some areas in the country, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The guidelines, among others, stipulate that schools cannot conduct outdoor activities if the Air Pollution Index (API) reading exceeds 100.
“We often stress these guidelines apply to everyone and must be followed to avoid any untoward incident," she said to the press after closing the national-level Mahrajan Al-Quran programme today.
The number of areas recording unhealthy API readings this morning increased to 16, covering nine states, with Cheras in the national capital recording the highest reading at 164.
"We will seek the advice of the Ministry of Health from time to time regarding recommendations to close (schools) or wear face masks and so on," Fadhlina said.
Meanwhile, when asked about the teacher shortage issue, she said it is temporary, and the ministry always worked with the Education Service Commission (SPP) to address the problem.
"The shortage is temporary, and we have just completed interviews for one-off recruitment and are currently hiring on a contract of service (COS) basis," Fadhlina added.
The media previously reported the National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) claimed that schools nationwide were experiencing a shortage of over 20,000 teachers, which needed to be solved immediately.
On the Mahrajan Al-Quran programme, the minister said the annual event was attended by approximately 688 participants from primary and secondary schools.
The programme aims to develop the potential and personality of students besides improving their ability and courage.
— Bernama
