KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 8 -- Schools and educational institutions under the Education Ministry in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 180 must close from tomorrow (October 9), as authorities step up measures to protect students and teachers from the worsening haze.

Schools in areas where API readings remain above 150 for three consecutive days must also close from Monday, October 12, the ministry said in a statement today.

The directive follows concerns raised by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over the health and safety of students amid the haze affecting parts of the country.

In the statement, Education director-general Datuk Mohd Azam Ahmad said the ministry was acting to prevent students and education personnel from being expose...