A local environmental organisation has been collecting bottles, cans, drink cartons and plastic containers brought into the schools by parents and selling them to recyclers.

The education ministry says efforts are ongoing to start the academic session for 2024/2025 in February.

Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying says schools will be told to close in the event of an API reading of 200 and above.

This will be observed at schools under the education ministry throughout the country.

While many have dropped out, the school set up by the state religious authorities is doing its best to give its students a good education.

Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying says more teachers will be recruited this year.

It was a grim reminder that any campus could be the target of gun violence, spurring educators around the country to review security protocols and try to reassure parents.

A number of factors are at play, including concerns over finances and the cost of living.

Some say that furthering their studies is not as beneficial as it once was, while others cite the cost of tuition fees and their reluctance to take on a student loan.

The motive was not immediately known but the suspect had drawn detailed maps of the school, including entry points for the building, and left behind a 'manifesto'.

Not everyone has the mentality it takes to be posted far from home, says a senior assistant administrative teacher.

An official denies political motives in the holding of the programme.