Fadhlina: Schools cannot close for days as haze fluctuates

GEORGE TOWN: Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek wants flexible school closures during haze.

She said air quality varies by time and location.

Fadhlina said she understood parents' concerns over daily closure announcements. Some parents called for schools to remain closed for several days to help families plan ahead.

"I understand these concerns. That is why I have requested that school closure decisions be communicated as early as possible to give parents time to make preparations," she said on social media.

Fadhlina said that the Air Pollutant Index (API) changes according to time and location. This makes it necessary for closure decisions to reflect prevailing conditions in each area. She said haze management required coordinated action.

The Department of Environment monitors air quality and addresses pollution. The Health Ministry provides public health guidance. The Education Ministry focuses on pupils' safety and school operations.

Fadhlina also highlighted the lasting impact of school disruptions on children's education. She drew lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said efforts to address learning loss were still ongoing. Lost classroom time was difficult to recover. This is because access to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) differed among pupils.

"Learning time that has been lost is not easy to replace, especially when PdPR facilities are not the same for every pupil," she said.

On boarding school students, Fadhlina said they would be advised to remain in hostels during closures. This applies if conditions remain safe and their welfare is assured.

The approach would prevent parents from repeatedly collecting and returning their children as closure decisions change. She added that the Education Ministry would continue monitoring the situation.

This will be done through state education departments and district education offices while improving information delivery to parents.

Fadhlina thanked parents for their feedback and patience as the country navigated the haze situation.