IPOH, Oct 18 — Although Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at four monitoring stations in Perak have shown a decline, outdoor school activities remain prohibited due to the current haze situation.

State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah said schools in the state were operating as usual, while teaching and learning activities must be conducted indoors.

He said the ban covers outdoor activities, such as camping and sports, while motivational programmes must also be held indoors.

“Based on the circular issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE), schools are not allowed to hold outdoor activities.

“Learning processes and other teaching activities must be carried out in classrooms only, as stipulated by the MOE,” he told reporters after representing Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad at the opening of Gema Warisan Rakan Muda X Himpunan Mahabbah Pendekar Negeri Perak 2026 here today.

Commenting on preparations for major examinations, including the KAFA Class Assessment Test (UPKK) and the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Khairudin said any need to postpone the examinations would have to be jointly discussed by the relevant agencies.

He said the MOE, Perak State Education Department (JPN) and the relevant department responsible for overseeing the UPKK would assess the matter should the situation necessitate it.

“If there is a need to postpone these examinations, the matter may be discussed collectively by the relevant parties to ensure that their implementation does not result in students being absent.

“We can see that the API readings in Perak are improving, and we hope the UPKK, SPM and other examinations can proceed smoothly this year,” he added.

On October 15, the Perak JPN announced that all schools in the state would continue operating as usual, but parents were given the option of not sending their children to school if they had concerns about their health due to the prevailing haze.

However, parents or guardians must inform the school of their children’s absence. — Bernama