SHAH ALAM, June 25: Parents have been advised to consult with schools regarding the attendance of their children in several areas in Selangor which are still affected by dangerous and unhealthy haze levels.
In making the call, the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim expressed concern on the contaminated air levels exceeding 200 on the API which takes its toll on children and hopes that parents and teachers are able to reach a final decision.
“The power (to close schools) is in the hands of the ministry, so we do not want to close schools because teachers are involved.
“I hope that when the haze level reaches 200, parents will not send their children to school,” said Abdul Khalid when asked if the State Government will issue a orders to close schools.
The Ministry of Education has issued directive that schools will only be closed if the haze level exceeds 300 on the API, which is the “dangerous” level.
Currently, a number of areas in Selangor such as Kuala Selangor, Banting, and Shah Alam have recorded API levels exceeding 200, which is “very unhealthy”.
Port Klang has recorded 474 on the API, according to readings from the Department of Environment website.
Previously, the Environment Exco, Elizabeth Wong urged the Federal Government to allow for schools to close if the API levels exceed 150, an “unhealthy” level.
Khalid said that the Selangor Government will issue immediate provisions to each constituency to buy and distribute masks to the public.
