{
  "id": 13856857,
  "title": "Fadhlina: Schools cannot close for days as haze fluctuates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/fadhlina-schools-cannot-close-for-days-as-haze-fluctuates",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T02:49:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1553506/fadhlina-schools-cannot-close-days-haze-fluctuates"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "GEORGE TOWN: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has called for flexible school closures during haze episodes, as air quality fluctuates according to time and location. Recognizing parents' concerns over daily closures, Fadhlina explained that she seeks early communication of such decisions to enable parents to make necessary preparations. She emphasized that haze management necessitates coordinated efforts, with the Department of Environment monitoring air quality, while the Health Ministry provides health guidance and the Education Ministry focuses on student safety and school operations.\n\nFadhlina highlighted the significant repercussions of school disruptions on children's education, drawing parallels to the Covid-19 pandemic. She noted that lost classroom time is challenging to recover, particularly because home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) facilities vary among pupils. Boarding school students would be advised to stay in hostels during closures if conditions remain safe and their welfare is assured, preventing repeated collection and return of students by parents.\n\nThe Education Ministry will continue monitoring the situation across state and district education offices, while improving information delivery to parents. Fadhlina expressed gratitude for parents' feedback and patience as Malaysia navigates the haze situation.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek wants flexible school closures during haze.",
  "key_points": [
    "Education Minister Fadhlina calls for flexible school closures during fluctuating haze episodes.",
    "Parents seek early communication of closures to prepare necessary arrangements.",
    "Haze management involves coordinated efforts among Environment, Health, and Education Ministries."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "School closures due to haze depend on local conditions, says Fadhlina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/school-closures-due-to-haze-depend-on-local-conditions-says-fadhlina",
        "published": "2026-10-12T03:04:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Haze: MOE to announce school closures as early as possible – Fadhlina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/haze-moe-to-announce-school-closures-as-early-as-possible-fadhlina",
        "published": "2026-10-12T03:37:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}