Hanoi:Johor The Johor State Education Department has formed a special task force to oversee the haze situation and develop standard operating procedures for school operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision to create the task force was made during the Johor State Haze Management Coordination Meeting, chaired by State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr. Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali. This meeting, attended by various agencies including the National Security Council, also decided to activate the State Disaster Management Committee to enhance coordination among agencies.

Dr. Muhammad Naqib emphasized the need to provide early notice regarding school closures or reopenings, following Ministry of Education procedures, to allow parents, guardians, teachers, and schools ample time to prepare. He proposed that the State Disaster Management Committee monitor and evaluate the haze situation daily, ensuring that official information and decisions are communicated clearly and consistently to the public.

He addressed concerns from parents about their children's health and acknowledged the challenges teachers and schools face in managing lessons during the haze. Decisions on school operations will not be based solely on Air Pollutant Index readings but will also consider environmental conditions, health risks, pupil safety, and the readiness of all parties involved.

The state government will continue collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure that actions are coordinated and informed by the latest assessments to protect the learning environment for pupils.