Education minister says boarding students should stay in hostels during haze closures if conditions remain safe

Haze shrouds the Penang Bridge with visibility appearing limited on October 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 11:39 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — Boarding school students are advised to remain in their hostels during school closures due to the haze, provided conditions remain safe and their welfare is ensured,  Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said. 

In a Facebook post today, Fadhlina said the measure was recommended to avoid burdening parents with the logistics of repeatedly picking up and sending their children back to school during successive closures.

“For boarding school students, they are advised to remain in their hostels during school closures due to the haze, provided conditions remain safe and their welfare is ensured. We do not want parents to be burdened with having to pick up and send their children back repeatedly,” she said.

Fadhlina said she understood parents’ concerns and had requested that school closure decisions be announced as early as possible to give them time to make the necessary arrangements.

However, she explained that Air Pollutant Index (API) readings could vary according to time and location, and decisions on school closures had to take into account the prevailing conditions in each area.

“Haze management also involves broader responsibilities. The Department of Environment monitors air quality and addresses pollution issues, while the Health Ministry provides guidance to the public on health risks.

“The Education Ministry focuses on student safety and the management of school operations based on prevailing conditions,” she said.

Fadhlina said the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic had also highlighted the significant impact of school disruptions on children’s learning.

Efforts to address learning loss therefore continued, particularly as access to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) facilities varied among students, she added. 

“The Education Ministry will continue to monitor the situation through state education departments (JPNs) and district education offices (PPDs), while improving the dissemination of information to parents.

“Thank you to all parents for their feedback and patience as we navigate this situation,” she said. — Bernama