Penang schools ready for home-based learning if air quality exceeds 200

Schools in Penang, Malaysia, are ready to switch to home-based learning (PdPR) if the Air Pollutant Index (IPU) surpasses 200, according to the State Education Department.

Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, Director of the Penang State Education Department (JPNPP), stated that preparations for PdPR are complete and implementation will proceed if the air quality deteriorates further. Current guidelines prohibit outdoor activities when the IPU exceeds 100, and students are not required to attend school when it reaches 200.

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But, for now, it's not possible yet (PdPR). We are just making preparations and if the IPU reading shows a tendency to reach 200, then we will inform in advance so that teachers, parents, and students can prepare for the implementation of PdPR.

"But, for now, it's not possible yet (PdPR). We are just making preparations and if the IPU reading shows a tendency to reach 200, then we will inform in advance so that teachers, parents, and students can prepare for the implementation of PdPR," Mohamad Dziauddin said. He was speaking during a visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bukit Gelugor to monitor school readiness for haze.

The department will assess the haze situation each evening to decide on PdPR implementation, aiming to avoid last-minute decisions that could disrupt preparations for parents, schools, and canteen operators. As of Monday morning, IPU readings across Penang were moderate, ranging between 76 and 85, a decrease from the previous day's readings of 96 to 155.

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If possible, we do not want to make decisions at the last minute so that parents, schools, and canteen operators have time to prepare.