Education minister: Decisions on school haze closures guided by MetMalaysia, Health Ministry and NRES

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said school closure decisions are guided by METMalaysia and the Health Ministry. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

First Published: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 4:42 PM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 4:51 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 12 — Decisions regarding the closure and reopening of schools due to the haze situation will be made periodically based on standard operating procedures (SOPs), existing guidelines, and advice from relevant agencies.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said these decisions depend on advice of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).

She noted that the Ministry of Education does not make such decisions in isolation, instead, it takes into account air quality assessments, health advice, and deliberations with relevant committees.

“We have established that we act based on SOPs, existing guidelines, and advice from MET in accordance with periodic directives as well as the Ministry of Health (MOH).

“We have a committee, and we fully adopt the guidelines provided by NRES and the MOH,” she told reporters after attending MOE’s ‘Petah KPM 2026’ programme here today.

Fadhlina said the current haze situation is being monitored according to established guidelines, however, parents must continue to prioritise their children’s health.

She advised parents not to send their children to school if they are unwell, but instead to inform the school of the situation.

“That is why, in the guidance we provide to parents, we state that if children are unwell, they should not be sent to school, and the school should be notified,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of parents who pay attention to health issues and share their views with the Ministry of Education (MOE), helping the ministry make decisions regarding school management during the haze.

According to her, any decision must strike a balance between protecting students’ health and the impact on education should schools remain closed for an extended period.

Commenting on the possibility of the haze persisting until November or December, Fadhlina said decisions would continue to be made collaboratively, based on the guidelines and advice of relevant agencies.

‘Petah KPM’ serves as a strategic platform to holistically uphold the ‘Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language’ (MBMMBI) policy as it emphasises that proficiency in both Malay and English must go hand-in-hand to foster a culture of fluent and courteous communication across diverse ethnic groups. — Bernama