KUCHING, Oct 17 — No taska (childcare centres) have been ordered to close so far due to the haze, but all outdoor activities must be suspended to reduce children’s exposure to polluted air.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the decision not to order a blanket closure of childcare centres took into account the needs of working parents who rely on the services.

She said parents had the discretion to decide whether to send their children to childcare centres, particularly in areas where schools had been ordered to close following high Air Pollutant Index readings.

“We understand that some parents cannot simply leave their children at home because there is no one to look after them.