Siena:Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has advised boarding school students to remain in their hostels during school closures caused by haze, as long as the conditions are deemed safe and their welfare is ensured. This recommendation aims to alleviate the logistical challenges faced by parents in repeatedly transporting their children to and from school during such closures.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina made these comments in a Facebook post, emphasizing the importance of early announcements regarding school closures to allow parents adequate time to make necessary arrangements. She noted that Air Pollutant Index (API) readings can fluctuate based on time and location, necessitating area-specific decisions on school operations.

The Education Minister highlighted that managing haze involves various responsibilities, with the Department of Environment monitoring air quality and addressing pollution, while the Health Ministry provides public health guidance. The Education Ministry's focus remains on student safety and operational management of schools according to current conditions.

Fadhlina also mentioned the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the disruptive impact on education, which underscores the ongoing need to address learning loss. She acknowledged that access to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) facilities is not uniform among students.

Efforts will continue to monitor the situation through state and district education offices, with an emphasis on improving communication to parents. Fadhlina expressed gratitude to parents for their feedback and patience during these challenging times.