KUALA LUMPUR — Parents concerned about the health of their children due to the ongoing haze are allowed to keep them home from school, provided they notify school authorities, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

In a Facebook post, Fadhlina assured the public that the Ministry of Education (MOE) understands parents’ worries and places student health and safety at the core of its operational decisions.

“I understand parents’ concerns regarding the current haze situation. Action taken during haze is guided by the National Haze Action Plan, using the official Air Pollutant Index (API) readings provided by the Department of Environment (DOE),” she said.

Fadhlina outlined the MOE’s standard operating procedures based on API thresholds:

• API exceeding 100: All outdoor classroom activities must be suspended immediately.

• API exceeding 200: Schools in the affected areas will be closed.

She reiterated that parents retain the flexibility to keep their children home if they feel health risks are high, provided they communicate with the school.

“MOE will continue to monitor API readings and current conditions from time to time, particularly in affected areas. We hear parents’ concerns, and the health and safety of our children remain our top priority in every decision we make,” she added.