PdPR to be activated if API exceeds 200

The Star

22-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will be activated if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading surpasses 200, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
She said the decision follows existing guidelines jointly coordinated with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and Health Ministries.
'Under the guidelines, outdoor activities are prohibited when the API exceeds 100.
'If it goes beyond 200, PdPR will be implemented, meaning lessons will be conducted online,' she told reporters after officiating the national-level Digital Utilisation and Technology Awards ceremony yesterday.
Fadhlina said state education directors have been instructed to act based on the API levels.
On another matter, Fadhlina said her ministry is developing and implementing various artificial intelligence (AI)-driven initiatives to further strengthen teaching and learning in schools.
However, she said information generated through AI technology still required verification by skilled individuals, with teachers remaining the most reliable point of reference in the classroom.
'Various reports by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) have consistently stressed that technology should serve as a tool to support education,' she said, Bernama reported.
The minister said digital transformation in the national education system must remain focused on human capital development and strengthening teacher professionalism, adding technological transformation would only be meaningful if supported by knowledgeable, creative and education-oriented teachers.
At the event, Fadhlina said two teachers had been selected as Digital Teacher Icons, describing them as role models and a source of inspiration to fellow educators in driving digital transformation in education.
The recipients were Mohammad Aliff Halmi from SK Tampang in Penang and El Gamillo Habibun Tan from SK Bukit Gasing in Terengganu. Each took home RM800 and a trophy.
In the district education office (PPD) category, PPD Dungun emerged champion, followed by PPD Batu Pahat and PPD Alor Gajah in second and third place respectively.
The awards is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to promote innovative, creative and ethical use of digital technology in teaching and learning, by recognising the achievements of students, teachers and education leaders.
First introduced in 2020, the ceremony serves as a platform to extend the highest appreciation and recognition to district education offices, schools, teachers and students for their excellence and commitment in driving digital education empowerment initiatives.