School Closure Decisions to Consider Local Air Pollution Index Readings – Fadhlina
PETALING JAYA: Decisions to close schools due to haze must take into account current conditions in each area, as Air Pollution Index (API) readings can vary depending on time and location.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would nevertheless ensure that school closure announcements due to haze are made as early as possible to allow parents sufficient time to make arrangements.
She said the ministry understood the concerns of parents who had suggested closing schools for several days to make family arrangements easier.
“I have been following various views expressed by parents regarding decisions on school closures due to haze, which are announced on a day-to-day basis. Some have suggested that schools remain closed for several consecutive days to make things easier for families.
“In making these decisions, we must understand that API readings can change depending on time and location. Therefore, school closures must take into account the prevailing conditions in each area,” she said in a statement.
According to Fadhlina, haze management also involves the Department of Environment (DOE), which monitors air quality and addresses pollution, while the Ministry of Health provides guidance on health risks to the public.
She said the Ministry of Education focuses on student safety and managing school operations based on prevailing conditions.
Fadhlina said the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic had also highlighted the impact of school disruptions on students’ learning, including the ongoing efforts to address learning losses.
“Lost learning time is not easily recovered, especially when access to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) facilities differs among students,” she said.
Meanwhile, she advised boarding school students to remain in their hostels throughout school closures caused by haze, provided conditions remain safe and their welfare is assured.
She said the measure was intended to prevent parents from having to repeatedly pick up and send their children back to school.
Fadhlina said the Ministry of Education would continue monitoring the situation through State Education Departments (JPN) and District Education Offices (PPD), while improving the communication of information to parents.
UTUSAN