Childcare centres (taska) in Sarawak will be ordered to close when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200, as part of measures to protect children from the effects of haze.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the decision follows an earlier directive by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), which classified an API reading of 200 as a trigger for the closure of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres.
The SDMC announced the measure on Aug 12 under the National Haze Action Plan, with implementation falling under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak Education Department director.
Nancy said the priority was to prevent children from being exposed to unhealthy air conditions, which could affect their health and create additional difficulties for families.
“We do not want children, in particular, to be exposed to the haze as it could affect them and cause difficulties for their families,” she told reporters.
While the directive currently applies to Sarawak, Nancy said similar measures could be implemented in other states if haze conditions worsen. Any closure, however, would be based on official directives issued by the respective state governments or relevant authorities to ensure clear communication and avoid public confusion.
Addressing concerns from working parents over childcare arrangements, Nancy said the matter would need to be managed by the respective state governments, as the decision to close childcare centres falls under state jurisdiction.
