Boarding students may stay in hostels during haze school closures

KUALA LUMPUR — The Education Ministry has advised that boarding school students may remain in their hostels during school closures triggered by haze, contingent on maintaining safe environmental conditions.

The guidance represents a shift in managing operational disruptions during periods of poor air quality, which have become increasingly common across the region during the haze season. Rather than mandating mass evacuations during closure periods, the ministry's position allows schools flexibility in their response protocols.

Under the revised approach, boarding school management will assess air quality readings and hostel conditions before deciding whether students should remain on campus or return home. The decision prioritizes student safety while minimizing disruption to their education and welfare arrangements.

The move reflects efforts to streamline school operations during environmental challenges while ensuring adequate supervision and care for resident students. Schools are expected to maintain close monitoring of air quality indices and coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.