Parents allowed to keep children home during haze; MOT excluded from drug probe updates

Education authorities in Malaysia have confirmed that parents retain the discretion to keep their children out of school during periods of poor air quality caused by haze. The clarification comes as the country continues to monitor air pollution levels across regions, with schools maintaining their operations while acknowledging parental concerns about health risks associated with prolonged exposure to haze. The guidance allows families to make individual decisions based on local air quality conditions and their children's health considerations. In a separate matter, the Ministry of Transport has indicated it has not been briefed on developments in a pilot programme investigating drug-related issues. The ministry's exclusion from the information loop underscores compartmentalized approaches to sensitive investigations, with relevant authorities maintaining operational security around ongoing probes. Officials have not disclosed further details about the nature or scope of the pilot drugs investigation.