Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Parents may keep children home during worsening haze: Education Ministry
Malaysia's Education Minister has indicated that parents retain the discretion to withdraw their children from school if air quality deteriorates due to haze. The statement provides flexibility for families concerned about health risks from poor air quality.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Parents in Malaysia may opt to keep their children out of school if haze conditions worsen and pose health concerns, according to the Education Ministry.
The minister's statement offers parents discretionary authority to make decisions regarding their children's attendance during periods of elevated air pollution. This approach balances educational continuity with parental responsibility in protecting children's health during environmental challenges.
The clarification comes as Malaysia faces recurring haze episodes, typically linked to regional transboundary smoke from agricultural burning. Air quality fluctuations have prompted ongoing discussions about school operations and student safety during such periods.
Schools across the country continue to monitor air quality readings and may implement measures including outdoor activity restrictions or temporary closures when pollution reaches hazardous levels. Parents are advised to assess local air quality conditions and make informed decisions about their children's school attendance in consultation with health guidelines.