School closures due to haze leave parents scrambling for childcare
Parents in Malaysia are struggling to manage childcare after the government announced sudden school closures due to hazardous air quality caused by haze. The situation has highlighted the lack of flexibility in many workplaces regarding emergency family leave.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the socioeconomic impact of environmental crises on working families and the need for better institutional support systems.
KUALA LUMPUR: The announcement of school closures late Thursday night caught many working parents off-guard, leaving them scrambling to arrange childcare while preparing for the next day.
Among them was consultant Remus Tan, 51, from Ampang, who had to ensure his 16-year-old daughter was settled at home before heading to work.
He said his daughter wanted to maintain a perfect school attendance record but instead ended up staying indoors with her books and piano to keep herself occupied.
“I don’t take my daughter out unless it is really necessary. The fine particulate matter PM2.5 in the air is no joke,” he said.
The Education Ministry had announced the temporary closure of schools in Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya due to the worsening haze.
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