Education minister: Decisions on school haze closures guided by MetMalaysia, Health Ministry and NRES

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 12 — The Education Minister, Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, has clarified that decisions on school closures and reopenings due to haze are made based on standard operating procedures and advice from several agencies. These decisions are a collaborative effort, taking into account the Malaysian Meteorological Department's (METMalaysia) air quality assessments, the Ministry of Health's (MOH) health guidance, and deliberations with the relevant committees.

The Ministry of Education does not take these decisions alone; instead, it adheres to SOPs, existing guidelines, and advice from MET, MOH, and NRES. Fadhlina emphasized that the decisions are made with the objective of balancing students' health with the impact on education if schools remain closed for an extended period. She advised parents to keep their children at home if they are unwell and to inform the school about the situation.

Fadhlina expressed her gratitude for the parents' cooperation in paying attention to health issues and sharing their views with the Ministry of Education (MOE). She reiterated that any decision regarding school management during the haze would continue to be made collaboratively and based on guidelines and advice from relevant agencies.