Haze: Childcare centres remain open, outdoor activities suspended

KUCHING: No childcare centres (taska) have been ordered to close so far due to the haze, but all outdoor activities must be suspended to reduce children's exposure to polluted air.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the decision not to order a blanket closure of childcare centres takes into account the needs of working parents who rely on these services.

She said parents have the discretion to decide whether to send their children to taska, particularly in areas where schools have been ordered to close following high Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

"We understand that some parents cannot simply leave their children at home because there is no one to look after them.

"Parents can discuss with their employers or childcare centre operators on the steps to take. However, the main requirement is that children must not be allowed to play outdoors," she told reporters on the sidelines of the Empowerus 2026 launch in Kuching today.

Nancy also advised parents to take their children for medical check-ups if they show symptoms of illness while the haze persists.