Parents are fuming after a boarding school in Kuching defied the Education Ministry directive to close because of the haze today.

Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuching Utara (Sakura) ordered students to return to their hostels today, promising to keep them indoors the parents claimed.

One of the student's fathers told Malaysiakini, the school had not only disobeyed the ministry, but also put the students' health at risk.

"My child has asthma, so this haze is worrying. Even though the school has assured their safety but as parents we still worry.

"Wouldn't it be better if the students were allowed to stay at their homes until the haze blows over before returning to their hostels," he said on condition of anonymity.

Another parent shared the same concern.

"I don't really mind because my child is healthy, but for those who have illnesses like asthma, surely their parents would be worried," the mother of a form two students said.

A senior teacher at Sakura refused to comment when contacted by Malaysiakini.

State education department investigates

The announcement to recall the students was made via Facebook yesterday, and parents were urged to provide enough face masks for their children.

A spokesperson for Sarawak's education department said the matter will be investigated.

"Schools should follow guidelines set by the department and obey orders issued by the Education Ministry.

"We will get confirmation whether these allegations are true, or if the school had a program of their own for some of the students," the spokesperson said when contacted.

Yesterday the Education Ministry ordered schools in several districts in Sarawak including Kuching, as well as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan to close because of the haze.

The affected schools have been told to re-open tomorrow.

However, the Education Ministry told state education departments to continue to monitor the Air Polutant Index and act accordingly if the reading changes from 100-200 (unhealthy) to 201-300 (very unhealthy).

Schools in Johor and Malacca will be closed due to the haze tomorrow.

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