Haze nationwide draws varied reactions
The haze afflicting the nation has resulted in a myriad of public reactions, especially from parents of schoolchildren.
This was following the announcement by Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid to close 2,045 schools in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan and Malacca, involving 1.5 million students.
National Consultative Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBGN) president, Associate Prof Mohd Ali Hasan wants the Education Ministry to review the Air Pollutant Index (API) level for schools in the country to close.
He said if the level of the API reading could be lowered to 150 compared to 200, it could reduce the risk of students being exposed to diseases caused by the haze.
"The API level of 200 is not relevant any more as the students, especially children, have a more sensitive respiratory system.
"In the light of those whose health condition is not good, this is a worrying factor not only for parents but also teachers who are forced to take care of such students," he said.
He said the ministry must also set a clear guideline by allowing headmasters to close their respective schools based on the situation in their areas and not depending on the states affected.
Such implementation is more relevant considering headmasters are more sensitive to the situation and the API reading levels at their school areas.
Make announcements earlier
In Malacca, parents met by Bernama urged the Education Ministry to announce the closing of schools due to haze much earlier after this and not late at night as had taken place last night.
Zainah Mohd Daud, 45, said an earlier announcement is crucial so that parents can make early preparations such as taking leave to take care of their children at home.
"I found out about the school closure when I was sending my children this morning, this made me panic as I had to take leave today to take care of them," said Zainah, who worked as an administrative officer.
She also hoped the ministry would use various media channels, especially the social media, to pass on information about closing schools.
A restaurant owner, Suziana Ali, 46, said she was fortunate as she found out about the closure of schools via social media at midnight.
"But even then it was quite hazardous thinking of who was to look after the children today, regardless, I am grateful as the move is important to look after the health of the children," she said.
A total of 313 schools involving 157,000 students had to be closed due to haze after receiving a directive from the Education Ministry late last night.
The API reading in Malacca City and Bukit Rambai as of 3pm today remained at an unhealthy level of 119 and 125, respectively.
- Bernama
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