Haze-hit areas: Parents to decide on childcare attendance, but kids must stay indoors, says family minister

The government is not imposing a blanket closure on childcare centres for the sake of working parents who rely on the services. — Pexels pic

First Published: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 2:42 PM MYT

KUCHING, Oct 17 — No taska (childcare centres) 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 took into account the needs of working parents who rely on the services.

She said parents had the discretion to decide whether to send their children to childcare centres, particularly in areas where schools had been ordered to close following high Air Pollutant Index readings.

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

“So, perhaps parents can discuss with their employers or the respective childcare centre operators on the steps to be taken. However, the main requirement that must be observed is that children must not be allowed to play outdoors,” she told reporters after officiating the Empowerus 2026, themed ‘Empowering Leaders: Sustainable, Resilient and Ethical Leadership’, here today.

Nancy advised parents to take their children for medical check-ups if they showed symptoms of illness while the haze persisted. — Bernama