Hanoi:Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek explained that decisions on school closures and reopenings due to haze conditions will be based on standard operating procedures, existing guidelines, and advice from agencies such as the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Health.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Education relies on air quality assessments, health advice, and consultations with relevant committees to make informed decisions. The Ministry does not act alone, but instead follows SOPs and guidelines from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

Fadhlina emphasized the importance of parental responsibility, advising parents not to send their children to school if they are unwell and to notify the school of any such situation. She thanked parents for their cooperation and for engaging with the Ministry on health matters, which aids in making well-rounded decisions regarding school operations during haze episodes.

She also highlighted the need to balance protecting students' health with the educational impact of prolonged school closures. In response to concerns about the haze potentially lasting until November or December, she assured that decisions would continue to be made with input from relevant agencies.

Fadhlina was speaking at the Ministry of Education's 'Petah KPM 2026' program, which promotes the 'Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language' policy to enhance communication skills across different ethnic groups.