KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — The Education Ministry wants private and international schools to adhere to instructions to close when the haze hits an unhealthy level.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, said it was important that they follow regulations issued by the ministry, like public schools.

“When we say close, (they should) close. When the air quality reaches a certain level, there is a rule that says the schools need to close. We have to think about the children,” he told Malay Mail at Parliament yesterday.

Under the law, the ministry has no power to force private schools to close because of the haze as its authority on the matter only covers public schools.

However, asked if he had any advice for schools who insisted on carrying on classes despite being told to close, Mahdzir only said: “Remember, they have to get licences from the ministry every year.”

The ministry yesterday ordered the closure of 1,600 schools in Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, affecting 728,739 students.

Earlier this week, Deputy Education Minister P. Kamalanathan had said the ministry was responsible for issuing licences to private schools, but noted that the decision to cancel classes ultimately lay with the school administrations.

He had also said the environment could be different for students in private schools as some classes were air-conditioned, reducing exposure to the haze.

It was learnt some private and international schools were reluctant to close during the haze as they felt students were safe because of the air-conditioning.

On October 5, the Higher Education Ministry told institutions of higher learning to monitor Air Pollutant Index readings in their areas and prepare internal guidelines on management of the haze situation.

With the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations starting in two weeks, Mahdzir hoped that Form Five students would not lose their focus because of haze-related disruptions.

“Their parents will be aware of the ongoing dilemma that we are all going through. I hope that they give proper attention to students,” he said.

“The candidates should not lose focus and continue their revision, whether at home or anywhere else that is suitable.”