Childcare Centres across Sarawak to Close Immediately if API Hits 200 Unhealthy Threshold, Says Nancy

KUCHING, Aug 22 — Childcare centres across Sarawak will be ordered to close immediately if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200, conforming with safety protocols established by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated today that the immediate shutdown directive is vital to safeguard young children from dangerous haze exposure and associated respiratory risks.

“We do not want children, in particular, to be exposed to the haze as it could affect them and cause difficulties for their families,” Nancy told reporters here today.

The measure aligns with an Aug 12 announcement by the SDMC, which stipulated that schools, kindergartens, and childcare facilities must cease operations as soon as the API reaches 200—the threshold categorized as ‘very unhealthy’ under the National Haze Action Plan.

Nancy clarified that while the directive currently applies to Sarawak, identical measures will be adopted in other states should transboundary haze deteriorate nationwide. She emphasized that any closures outside Sarawak will be executed comprehensively based on official directives from respective state administrations to prevent public confusion.

Addressing concerns from working parents who may face sudden caregiving disruptions during haze-induced shutdowns, Nancy noted that relief measures and workplace flexibility management remain under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments.

–NMT