School closures due to haze depend on local conditions, says Fadhlina

Education minister Fadhlina Sidek has defended the day-to-day basis closure of schools due to haze following concerns raised by parents.

In a Facebook post, she said some parents had suggested that schools be closed for several consecutive days to make it easier for families to make arrangements.

“I understand these concerns. That is why I have requested that decisions on school closures be announced as early as possible to give parents time to prepare,” she said.

She said that in making decisions for school closures, it is important to understand that air pollutant index (API) readings can change depending on time and location.

“Therefore, school closures must take into account the prevailing conditions in each area,” she said.

Fahdlina said haze management also involves broader responsibilities, with the environment department responsible for monitoring air quality and addressing pollution, while the health ministry provides the public with guidance on health risks.

The education ministry, meanwhile, focuses on students’ safety and the management of school operations based on prevailing conditions, she said.

For boarding school students, the recommendation going forward is that they remain in their hostels during haze-related school closures, provided that conditions remain safe and their welfare is assured.

She said the education ministry does not want parents to be burdened with repeatedly picking up and sending their children back to school.

“The education ministry will continue to monitor the situation through state education departments and district education offices while improving the dissemination of information to parents,” she said.

The haze situation prompted school closures in several states in the peninsula, with announcements made a day prior.

Under the education ministry’s closure directives, schools in areas with API readings above 180 are to close, while those in areas with readings above 150 for three consecutive days will close from Oct 12.

Yesterday, the ministry said it would leave it to the respective states to decide on school closures due to haze.

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