Melaka parents' group seeks clearer guidelines on school closure thresholds

The Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education has urged state authorities to resolve ongoing confusion surrounding the criteria used to close and reopen schools in response to air pollution levels. The group highlighted the need for the state education department to establish clearer guidelines and provide timely notifications to parents and school administrators about closure decisions. Currently, school closures in Malaysia are typically triggered when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches certain thresholds, but inconsistencies in implementation and communication have created uncertainty among families. The parents' group emphasised that without standardised protocols and prompt updates, schools and parents struggle to make informed decisions about student attendance and safety measures. The call comes amid ongoing concerns about air quality affecting schools across the region, particularly during haze seasons when API readings spike significantly. A clearer framework, the group argues, would enable schools to better coordinate with parents and ensure consistent implementation of safety measures across all educational institutions in Melaka. State education officials have not yet responded to the group's demands for improved guidelines and communication channels.