World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 day ago
Haze-related school closures in Malaysia leave parents seeking childcare
Malaysia temporarily closed schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as haze worsened.
The closures were announced late on Oct 8 and left many working parents with little time to arrange care for their children.
Some parents stayed home or changed their work plans, while one mother took her twin boys to an indoor playground.
Parents said they were concerned about children spending time outdoors because of fine particles in the air.
The closures also highlighted how difficult it can be for workers to manage unexpected childcare needs.
Some employers offered emergency leave or adjusted work duties, but parents said not everyone has those options.
Parents and employers called for more understanding and support when haze disrupts school schedules.
Malaysia’s Education Ministry temporarily closed schools in five areas because of worsening haze.
The late-night announcement on Oct 8 left many working parents scrambling to arrange childcare for the next day.
Parents described adjusting work schedules, taking emergency leave or finding indoor activities for their children.
Some parents called for more support and understanding from employers and the public.
- Who
- Parents and children affected by school closures, along with employers.
- What
- Haze-related school closures left parents seeking childcare.
- When
- The closures were announced late on the night of Oct 8.
- Where
- Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Malaysia.
- Why
- The Education Ministry closed schools because of worsening haze.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The fine particulate matter PM2.5 in the air is no joke.
Not all parents have this option.
We have to be understanding and help our staff. They are the ones who help us run our business.
The Education Ministry announced temporary school closures in five areas because of worsening haze.
Parents arranged childcare or kept children indoors while schools were closed.
- Areas affected
- Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
- Announcement
- Late on the night of Oct 8
- Remus Tan's daughter
- 16 years old
- Mazlan Shah's son
- 10 years old
- Marcus Mah's business
- Five refrigerated lorries and eight employees
Sources
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