Haze: Decision on school closures depends on SOP and advice from MetMalaysia, MOH, says Fadhlina
She noted that the Education Ministry does not make such decisions in isolation, instead, it takes into account air quality assessments, health advice, and deliberations with relevant committees.
Source: Sinar Daily on MSN · Sinar Daily on MSN · October 12, 2026 at 5:02 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourcePUTRAJAYA, 13 OCTOBER 2026 —
Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said on Wednesday that any decision to close or reopen schools because of the haze will be taken in line with standard operating procedures, existing guidelines and the advice of the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
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She added that the Ministry of Education does not act in isolation; decisions will be based on air‑quality assessments, health advice and deliberations with relevant committees.
Speaking after attending the Ministry of Education’s “Petah KPM 2026” programme in Putrajaya, Fadhlina said the current haze situation is being monitored according to established guidelines and that parents must continue to prioritise their children’s health. She urged parents not to send unwell children to school and to inform schools of any illness, noting that the ministry’s guidance to parents states that sick children should stay at home and schools should be notified.
“We have a committee, and we fully adopt the guidelines provided by NRES and the MOH,” Fadhlina told reporters. “We have established that we act based on SOPs, existing guidelines, and advice from MET in accordance with periodic directives as well as the Ministry of Health.”
The minister said any decision must strike a balance between protecting students’ health and the impact on education should schools remain closed for an extended period. She thanked parents for their cooperation and for sharing their views with the ministry, saying their input helps the ministry make decisions regarding school management during the haze.
Fadhlina noted that the haze could persist until November or December and that decisions would continue to be made collaboratively, based on the guidelines and advice of the relevant agencies.
The “Petah KPM” platform, she explained, serves as a strategic venue to uphold the “Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language” (MBMMBI) policy, emphasizing that proficiency in both Malay and English must go hand‑in‑hand to foster a culture of bilingualism.
No further details on specific closure dates or thresholds were provided.