Haze: PdPR A Sensible Move, Say Parents

TAWAU, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Parents have described the temporary school closure due to haze and the shift to Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) as a sensible move to protect their children’s health, following two days of unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the district.

Civil servant Asmah Asmuni, 43, said the Education Ministry’s (MOE) swift action will help protect pupils' and teachers' health.

“API readings have risen over the past few days, and I am worried that this could affect the health of my two children, aged 10 and nine, who attend Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kem Kabota.

“The temporary closure of schools due to haze is a sensible move, and my children have no problems accessing the internet or using smartphones to participate in PdPR,” she told Bernama.

Housewife Nur Hazlinda Meruddin, 35, also welcomed the move, describing the ministry’s decision as a sensible step to protect children’s health.

“I support the move to PdPR because the worsening haze could affect children’s health, especially my two sons, who are active children in Year Six and Year Four at SK Muhibbahraya.

“During PdPR, my children study with their cousins and help one another with their lessons,” she said.

Private-sector employee Nurlia Abdullah, 40, also agreed with the decision to temporarily close schools as she is worried about the health of her seven-year-old son, who attends SK Pasir Putih.

Meanwhile, SK Taman Tawau teacher Nurul Amirah Abdul Rahman, 33, said PdPR is being conducted to ensure pupils’ learning continues uninterrupted.

“This is not the first time we have conducted PdPR, and I am always prepared to teach. I taught Music this morning and will teach English this afternoon.

“I seek the cooperation and support of parents to ensure pupils attend PdPR classes,” she said.

The MOE yesterday ordered all schools under the Tawau District Education Office to close temporarily today due to haze and unhealthy API readings in the district.

-- BERNAMA