Hanoi:Johor The Johor State Education Department has formed a special task force to address the haze situation and develop standard operating procedures for school operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the task force was established following the Johor State Haze Management Coordination Meeting chaired by Dr. Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali, the State Education and Information Committee chairman. The meeting included various agencies such as the National Security Council and led to the activation of the State Disaster Management Committee to enhance inter-agency coordination.

Dr. Muhammad Naqib emphasized the importance of providing early notification about school closures or reopenings in line with Ministry of Education procedures. This measure aims to give parents, guardians, teachers, and schools adequate time to prepare.

He also proposed that the State Disaster Management Committee should monitor and evaluate the haze situation daily, ensuring that official information and decisions are communicated clearly and consistently to the public. Acknowledging the concerns of parents regarding children's health and the challenges schools face, decisions will consider not just Air Pollutant Index readings but also environmental conditions, health risks, pupil safety, and the preparedness of all parties involved.

The state government is committed to working with relevant agencies to ensure coordinated measures are guided by current assessments to protect the pupils' learning environment.