Sarawak taska to close when API reaches 200, says Nancy

KUCHING: Childcare centres, known as taska in Sarawak, will be closed when the Air Pollutant Index (API) hits 200, according to a decision by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. This step aims to shield children from the dangers of haze, which could harm their health, said Nancy during a press conference.

The SDMC's announcement on Aug 12 states that all schools, kindergartens and childcare centres will close when the API reaches 200, which is categorized as the 'very unhealthy' level, as per the National Haze Action Plan and under the authority of the Sarawak Education Department director. Nancy emphasized during the interview that the directive primarily concerns the well-being of children and their families, who might face difficulties due to the adverse effects of haze.

She clarified that while the directive currently pertains to Sarawak, it will be extended to other regions should the haze worsen and spread, with closures to be implemented based on official directives from respective state governments or relevant authorities to prevent public confusion. When asked about the implications for working parents, Nancy stated that the matter would be handled by the individual state governments, as this directive falls under their jurisdiction.