{
  "id": 15143760,
  "title": "Haze: Childcare centres remain open, outdoor activities suspended",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/haze-childcare-centres-remain-open-outdoor-activities-suspended",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T06:43:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1557449/haze-childcare-centres-remain-open-outdoor-activities-suspended"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUCHING: Childcare centres (taska) have been permitted to remain open amidst the haze, however, all outdoor activities must be suspended to minimize children's exposure to polluted air. This decision, made by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, takes into account the needs of working parents who rely on these services. Parents are given the discretion to decide whether to send their children to taska, especially in areas where schools have been ordered to close due to high Air Pollutant Index (API) readings. The minister acknowledged that some parents may find it difficult to leave their children unattended, as there may be no one to care for them. She encouraged parents to communicate with their employers or childcare centre operators about the steps to take. The primary requirement, however, is that children must not be allowed to play outdoors. Nancy also advised parents to seek medical check-ups for their children if they exhibit any symptoms of illness during the haze period.",
  "summary": "KUCHING: No childcare centres (taska) have been ordered to close so far due to the haze, but all outdoor activities must be suspended to reduce children's exposure to polluted air.",
  "key_points": [
    "Childcare centres (taska) allowed to remain open during haze.",
    "Outdoor activities suspended to reduce children's exposure to polluted air.",
    "Parents decide on sending children to taska, considering school closures."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Haze: No Childcare Centres Ordered To Close, Outdoor Activities Halted - Nancy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/general-haze-no-childcare-centres-ordered-to-close-outdoor-activities-15137348",
        "published": "2026-10-17T04:34:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}