It’s up to you, parents: Sarawak minister says won’t shut kindergarten, childcare centres even if API is over 200

KUCHING, Aug 14 — Kindergartens (Tadika) and childcare centres (Taska) in Sarawak may stay open during the current haze to help parents whose children need care, stated Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. This stands in contrast to the policy requiring Tadika and Taska to shut down when the Air Pollutant Index (API) climbs to 200 or higher.

The State Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister made this clear in a statement. Fatimah, who is also part of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), emphasized that the decision on whether to send their children to these centres should be left to the parents. She explained that these centres offer a secure and regulated setting for kids, as long as they are equipped with air-conditioning, suitable air filtration or purification systems, and proper standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Children who are not feeling well should stay home, while those attending the centres would undergo a screening upon arrival to ensure their fitness for admission. In case a child starts showing symptoms while at the centre, parents will be informed and asked to collect their child. Fatimah also suggested that all outdoor activities at Tadika and Taska should be halted during the haze period.

For parents commuting their children to the centres, she advised wearing masks and limiting outdoor exposure. She further reminded parents with children suffering from asthma, respiratory issues, or other vulnerabilities to carry their prescribed inhalers and inform the centre about their child's condition and care requirements.

Hydration is crucial, she added, urging parents to ensure their children drink enough water throughout the day.