Sarawak childcare centres to shut once haze hits API 200, Nancy Shukri confirms directive

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the measure was aimed at protecting children from exposure to haze, which could affect their health. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 22 Aug 2026 2:24 PM MYT

KUCHING, Aug 22 — Childcare centres (taska) in Sarawak will be closed immediately if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200, in line with the decision previously made by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the measure was aimed at protecting children from exposure to haze, which could affect their health.

On Aug 12, the SDMC said in a statement that schools, kindergartens and childcare centres would be closed immediately when the API reached 200, classified as the very unhealthy level, in accordance with the National Haze Action Plan and under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Education Department director.

“We do not want children, in particular, to be exposed to the haze as it could affect them and cause difficulties for their families,” she told reporters here today.

She said the directive currently applied in Sarawak but would also be followed in other areas or states should the haze worsen and spread, with any closure to be implemented comprehensively based on official directives from the respective state governments or relevant authorities to avoid confusion among the public.

On the concerns of working parents should childcare centres be closed, Nancy said the matter would have to be managed by the respective state governments as the directive fell under state jurisdiction. — Bernama