Perak May Re-Close Schools Monday if Air Pollution Remains Hazardous

State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah warned that schools in Perak may be shut again on Monday if air-pollution readings remain at unhealthy levels, with the decision to be announced around 2-3 pm after tomorrow’s monitoring. The move follows the closure of 362 schools in three districts after the Tasek Ipoh station logged an API of 180 at 11 am. Should schools close, the Education Department will implement the Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) system.

Khairudin also welcomed the federal government's approval of a new primary school, SK Seri Chemor, funded in Budget 2027 to relieve overcrowding at the existing Chemor school. He addressed recent bullying allegations at a Chemor school, now under police investigation, and a separate case of an 11-year-old student allegedly assaulted by a teacher in Pengkalan Hulu, which has also been referred to police. Both incidents have triggered standard safety SOPs and consultations with parents and education officials.