PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is coordinating school operating procedures under the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK), with closures to be implemented when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 200.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said outdoor activities would be postponed when API readings exceeded 100, in line with the plan.
"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 today.
She said the ministry welcomed the National Disaster Management Agency's emphasis on following the PTJK in managing haze, following discussions with relevant agencies.
Fadhlina acknowledged parents' concerns over daily decisions on school operations during the haze, particularly those whose children have health conditions or are more sensitive to air pollution.
She said parents could keep their children at home if they were concerned about their health and safety during the haze, provided they informed 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.
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