Parents can keep children home during haze as schools adopt stricter air quality thresholds
PARENTS will be allowed to keep their children home during haze episodes if they are concerned about their health and safety, even as schools nationwide follow set air pollution thresholds for suspending activities and closures. Education Minister Da...
Parents can keep their children home during haze episodes due to new air quality thresholds, according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Outdoor activities will be suspended when the air pollution index (API) exceeds 100, while schools will close if readings surpass 200, as per the National Haze Action Plan. The Education Ministry is coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to ensure decisions are based on current air quality readings and Health Ministry advice.
Fadhlina emphasized that API readings can change rapidly, and closing schools too far in advance could result in children losing learning time after air quality improves. Parents who are concerned about their children's health should inform the school, especially if their children have medical conditions or are sensitive to air pollution.
The Health Ministry has advised wearing face masks during haze episodes to protect children's health. Fadhlina stressed that the safety and health of children remain the top priority, but every school day is also crucial for their development and learning. The coordination aims to provide parents with greater certainty, ease their difficulties, and strike a balance between children's health and the continuity of their education.
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