Haze-hit areas: Parents to decide on childcare attendance, but kids must stay indoors, says family minister

KUCHING, Oct 17 — The haze has not led to any mandatory closures of childcare centres yet, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. However, all outdoor activities are forbidden within these facilities to minimize children's exposure to polluted air. The minister's decision not to mandate a full shutdown of childcare centres acknowledges the necessity for working parents who depend on these services.

Parents retain the authority to determine whether to send their children to childcare centres, especially in regions where schools have been ordered to close due to high Air Pollutant Index readings. Nancy Shukri explained to reporters after inaugurating the Empowerus 2026 event, themed 'Empowering Leaders: Sustainable, Resilient and Ethical Leadership,' that some parents may struggle to leave their children at home due to the lack of caregivers.

In such cases, parents should consult with their employers or the childcare centre operators about potential arrangements. Nevertheless, the primary mandate is clear: children must remain indoors and avoid any outdoor play during the haze. Nancy further advised parents to have their children undergo medical examinations if they exhibit any illness symptoms while the haze remains prevalent.