KUCHING: Parents are urged to limit their children’s outdoor activities and ensure they stay hydrated as the haze situation worsens in several parts of Sarawak.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said children should avoid playing outdoors, including outside childcare centres and homes, particularly in areas recording high Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
She said while there was no official directive at present to close childcare centres or other facilities, precautionary measures should be taken to safeguard children’s health.
“We do not encourage children to play outdoors. They should also drink more water.
“If necessary, they should wear masks, but this depends on the situation. If they are only at home and around their family members, it may not be necessary,” she said.
She said this in a press conference after officiating at the Wonderful Life Programme: Domestic Violence Awareness Programme 2026, organised by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) at SALCRA Bajo Training Centre, in Lundu today.
Nancy said keeping children hydrated was important to prevent dehydration, particularly when API readings were high.
She noted that the API reading in Serian had reached 171, which was considered high, and advised households to keep their doors and windows closed to prevent haze from entering.
Meanwhile, on the proposed amendments to review the Child Act 2001, Nancy said the process was still ongoing, with new developments, particularly those involving technology, being considered for inclusion.
She said Malaysia was also taking into account new inputs and perspectives from other countries, including those shared during a recent 9th ASEAN Children’s Forum.
“There is still a lot more that needs to be included as input for the amendments. The process has already been recognised, but we feel that we need to give it more time.
“The recent ASEAN-level programme gave us new perspectives because their cultures are different, and these could also influence our society, particularly through digital platforms. So, we need to be careful,” she said.
