PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry has begun coordinating school operating procedures based on the National Haze Action Plan (NHAP) to ensure that decisions on school closures are made in a more systematic manner, taking into account Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and health advice, says Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said that under the coordinated procedures, outdoor activities would be postponed when the API reading exceeds 100, while schools would be closed when the reading exceeds 200, in accordance with the NHAP.
"We need to understand that API readings can change within a short period.
"Closing schools several days in advance without taking these changes into account could result in children losing learning time even after air quality has returned to normal," she said in a Facebook post Wednesday (Oct 14).
She said the ministry welcomed the National Disaster Management Agency's (Nadma) emphasis that haze management must be guided by the NHAP, following discussions with relevant agencies.
At the same time, Fadhlina said she understood the concerns of parents who have to wait for daily decisions on school operations while the country faces haze, particularly those whose children have health problems or are more sensitive to air pollution.
As such, she said parents could keep their children at home if they were concerned about their health and safety during the haze, provided they notify the school authorities.
"The safety and health of our children remain our top priority. However, every school day also matters for their development and learning.
"I hope this coordination will provide greater certainty for parents, reduce the difficulties they face and ensure that every decision on school operations takes into account both the health of children and the continuity of their education in a balanced manner," she added. - Bernama
