KUCHING, Aug 14 — Kindergartens (Tadika) and childcare centres (Taska) in Sarawak may continue operating during the current haze to accommodate children whose parents need to work, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The State Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said this was despite the existing measure requiring Tadika and Taska to close when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200 and above.

“Attendance at Tadika and Taska should remain at the discretion or choice of parents.

“These centres are the essential support systems for working parents,” she said in a statement.

Fatimah, who is also a member of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said the centres could provide a safer and more controlled environment for children, provided they had air-conditioning, appropriate air filtration or purification systems and proper standard operating procedures (SOPs).

She said children who were unwell should remain at home, while those attending the centres would be screened upon arrival to ensure they were fit before being admitted.

“If a child develops symptoms while at the centre, parents will be contacted to bring the child back,” she said.

Fatimah said all outdoor activities at Tadika and Taska should also be suspended during the haze.

“For journeys between home and the centres, parents should ensure that their children wear masks and minimise their exposure to the outdoors.

“For children with asthma, respiratory conditions and other vulnerabilities, they should ensure the prescribed inhalers are brought along with their children while also informing the centre of their child’s condition and care requirements,” she advised.

Parents should also ensure their children drink sufficient water and remain adequately hydrated throughout the day, she added. — The Borneo Post