PETALING JAYA: Schools will only close when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 200, says Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said they will stick to the haze action plans as issued by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
“The issue of the haze is not merely about whether schools should open or close. We are talking about public health, air quality, and how the nation manages a disaster,” she said in a Facebook post today (Oct 15).
Thus, she added, she had called together all the relevant agencies, including the Health Ministry, the Environment Department and Nadma to discuss the initial decision to close schools when the API is over 150 for three consecutive days, a call made by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
“When His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong expresses concern regarding the haze situation, we certainly take it seriously. We choose to exercise greater caution because it is our own children whom we are looking to protect,” she said.
However, during the discussions, Fadhlina said the ministry also took into account Nadma’s views that the management of the haze at the national level should be guided by the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK).
“After considering the views of the relevant agencies, the Education Ministry has decided to revert to the provisions set out in the PTJK,” she added.
Aside from closing schools when the API is over 200, the PTJK states that outdoor activities are immediately halted when it already goes over 100, she said.
Fadhlina also said the PTJK is not a new plan and that the country already has guidelines in place for managing haze.
“That is why it is important for us to return to the established guidelines set at the national level,” she added.
She said she takes note of the various views from parents, including having a full week-long closure, concerns that children will fall further behind in their studies, and lack of childcare when schools are closed but parents have to go to work.
“Every family faces its own unique circumstances and challenges. There are valid reasons behind every perspective shared.
“However, when making a decision that affects millions of children, there are matters that must be considered very carefully,” she added.
She also stressed that parents do have the choice to not send their children to school if they fear the haze could affect their child’s health. So long as they inform the school.
“I know that for parents, their children's health is not something that can be compromised — and I share that view.
“At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure that students do not continue to lose out on learning time. Our experience during the Movement Control Order (MCO) clearly showed just how difficult it is to recover lost learning.
“I understand that not everyone will agree with every decision. Rest assured, however, that all concerns will continue to be heard, and decisions will be made in consultation with relevant experts,” she said.
