Education minister says boarding students should stay in hostels during haze closures if conditions remain safe

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — The Education Minister, Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, has advised boarding school students to stay in their hostels during school closures caused by haze, as long as conditions remain safe and their welfare is assured, according to a Facebook post. This recommendation aims to prevent parents from being overwhelmed with the responsibility of repeatedly picking up and sending their children back to school during successive closures.

Fadhlina acknowledged parents' concerns and suggested that school closure decisions should be announced early to provide them with ample time to make necessary arrangements. However, she clarified that Air Pollutant Index (API) readings can fluctuate based on time and location, and school closure decisions must consider the specific conditions in each area.

The Department of Environment is responsible for monitoring air quality and tackling pollution issues, while the Health Ministry offers guidance on health risks to the public. The Education Ministry's primary focus is on student safety and managing school operations based on prevailing conditions. Fadhlina highlighted the pandemic's impact on learning loss and emphasized the Education Ministry's continued monitoring of the situation through state education departments and district education offices, while also improving information dissemination to parents. She expressed gratitude to parents for their feedback and patience during this challenging period.