State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said while the students’ absence will be excused, parents or guardians must notify the schools.

“All principals and headmasters are advised to monitor the air pollutant index (API) via the environment department’s website to ensure timely and appropriate action,” Bernama reported her as saying today.

On Tuesday, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said her ministry will activate home-based teaching and learning if the API reading surpasses the “very unhealthy” level of 200.

She said this was based on existing guidelines, jointly coordinated with the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry, and the health ministry.

“Under the guidelines, outdoor activities are prohibited when the API exceeds 100.

“If it goes beyond 200, home-based learning will be implemented, meaning lessons will be conducted online,” she said.

API readings have dropped from a high of 150 in several areas previously affected, including Petaling Jaya (83), Klang (80), Banting (81) and Johan Setia (88).

Shah Alam recorded a moderate reading of 90, while Kuala Selangor remains in the unhealthy range at 126.