KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — Parents concerned about their children’s health amid the haze affecting the country may choose not to send them to school, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said.
She said parents only needed to inform the school if they decided to keep their children at home.
“I understand parents’ concerns over the current haze situation. We hear those concerns. The health and safety of our children remain the priority in every action we take,” she said in a Facebook post today.
Fadhlina said the ministry would continue monitoring Air Pollutant Index (API) readings issued by the Department of Environment (DOE), as well as developments in affected areas.
She said any measures taken would be based on the National Haze Action Plan.
“When the API reading exceeds 100, all outdoor activities are suspended. When it exceeds 200, schools are closed,” she said.
According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal this morning, Samarahan, Sarawak, was the only area to record a very unhealthy API reading, at 226.
Meanwhile, 40 areas nationwide recorded unhealthy readings, while 24 registered moderate air quality.
