The Star: Schools, kindergartens to close if API exceeds 200

‍

PETALING JAYA: Schools and kindergartens will be ordered to close if the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 200, says the Environment Department.

The department's director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaafar said, as such, the administration of all schools and kindergartens should constantly monitor the API, and if the level exceeds 200, arrangements to close down its premises will have to be made.

He said outdoor activities at schools and kindergartens must also cease if the API exceeds 100.

Wan Abdul Latiff said cloud-seeding operations will occur when the API remains at 150 for over 24 hours.

However, he said this will be subject to the presence of suitable clouds and weather at the affected location.

"The air quality in the country today is worsening, with more locations recording unhealthy API levels.

"To address the situation, the department and all other agencies involved in managing this disaster have intensified efforts to prevent open burning activities, which can worsen the haze.

"Action will be based on the National Haze Action Plan, which has specific instructions for every relevant agency to carry out its duties following the status of the API," he said.

As of 6pm, 11 locations, namely Batu Muda, Cheras, Putrajaya Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Banting, Johan Setia, Nilai, Seremban and Port Dickson, recorded unhealthy air quality of between 116 and 161.

‍