• Today: September 8, 2026

Exams to continue under haze safety measures

Aerial view of hazy conditions over the Belait District on Saturday evening. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTOR

Secondary students allowed on campus for revision and examinations as Home-Based Learning extended

The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) have announced special measures for secondary school students sitting public examinations during the current haze conditions, while Home-Based Learning (HBL) has been extended on Monday.

Under the measures, secondary school students sitting public examinations will be allowed to attend their respective educational institutions for revision sessions and the consolidation of teaching and learning in preparation for their examinations.

Students scheduled to sit public examinations are required to attend their respective educational institutions only on the dates and at the times specified in their examination schedules.

Parents and guardians are advised to drop off students according to their scheduled examination times and collect them upon completion of their examinations.

For government educational institutions under the purview of the MoE and the MoRA, examinations will be conducted in halls or designated areas equipped with air-conditioning.

For designated examination rooms, including Science Laboratories, Food and Nutrition rooms, and Design and Technology rooms, additional facilities such as air filters and air coolers will be provided based on the needs and suitability of each educational institution.

Students attending educational institutions, including those sitting public examinations, are also advised to wear appropriate face masks, particularly those in high-risk groups, such as students with lung or heart conditions, especially when outdoors.

Educational institutions will also provide face masks as an additional precautionary measure for students who require them.

Students are advised to maintain adequate water intake and strictly follow all established health and safety guidelines while at educational institutions.

Students with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, must also ensure that they bring their required medication to school.

Government and private educational institutions under the purview of both ministries are advised to regularly refer to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Department of Examinations, MoE, regarding the conduct of oral and written examinations.

Meanwhile, HBL for all primary and secondary schools, colleges and sixth form centres – both government and private – under the purview of the MoE, as well as religious and Arabic schools and the Institut Tahfiz under the purview of the MoRA, has been extended today, following the monitoring and reassessment of current air quality conditions.

The announcement was made by the MoE and the MoRA in a joint statement on Sunday.

The two ministries will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a reassessment scheduled for 4pm today to determine the subsequent operational status of educational institutions.

Any further developments or decisions will be communicated accordingly.

AIR QUALITY REMAINS UNHEALTHY

Meanwhile, air quality remained unhealthy in three of Brunei Darussalam’s four districts at 4pm on Sunday, with Belait continuing to record the highest Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading in the country.

According to the latest update from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), Belait recorded a PSI of 120 at 4pm, followed by Brunei-Muara at 112 and Tutong at 105.

All three districts remained within the unhealthy range of 101 to 200.

Temburong was the only district with moderate air quality, recording a PSI of 92.

Hazy conditions over Brunei Darussalam. PHOTO: JAMES KON

The readings showed mixed changes from 9am, when Belait registered 128, Brunei-Muara 112, Tutong 109 and Temburong 94.

JASTRe said air quality reporting has incorporated PM2.5 concentrations into the PSI since September 1. The World Health Organization defines PM2.5 as fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter.

These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

JASTRe will continue monitoring air quality nationwide and issue PSI updates five times daily at 7am, 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm throughout the hazy period.

The Ministry of Health has advised the public to reduce strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities and unnecessary exposure to haze when PSI readings reach unhealthy levels.

Children, older persons and pregnant women are advised to restrict strenuous or prolonged outdoor activities, while those with existing heart or respiratory conditions should avoid such activities.

Anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or difficulty breathing, should seek medical attention.

The public is also reminded to refrain from open burning and other activities that could worsen haze conditions.

Bush and forest fires should be reported immediately to the Fire and Rescue Department through emergency line 995, while complaints regarding open burning can be made through Talian Darussalam 123.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/James Kon

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