Fahmi to raise private-sector WFH amid haze, school closures

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil plans to discuss the possibility of remote work arrangements for private-sector employees at the upcoming Cabinet meeting, amid ongoing concerns over the haze and school closures. The government aims to seek input from private companies regarding their capacity to implement such arrangements, especially for working parents grappling with the temporary closure of schools.

Speaking to reporters at Parliament House, Fahmi emphasized that the existing remote work policy is already in place for civil servants. However, he noted that private companies had previously been encouraged to adopt similar arrangements during the Middle East conflict. The Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry will be tasked with engaging private enterprises and gathering their feedback on the proposed measures.

Fahmi highlighted the extraordinary haze situation currently prevailing and acknowledged that the Education Ministry must base its decisions on the most recent data provided by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and the Meteorological Department. He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the haze situation today may differ significantly from those expected tomorrow.

Responding to the concerns expressed by working parents following the announcement of school closures due to deteriorating air quality, Fahmi stressed that the extreme haze conditions resulting from the current super El Nino situation necessitate authorities to remain responsive to evolving circumstances. He explained that school closures during severe haze episodes are implemented to minimize students' exposure to unhealthy air, although they may pose childcare challenges for parents who must commute to their workplaces.