SHAH ALAM, Oct 12 - More than 200,000 face masks will be distributed to 947 schools in Selangor as a precautionary measure to protect pupils’ health amid the haze affecting the state.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the masks have been handed over to the Selangor Education Department (JPN) for distribution to schools through their respective District Education Offices.
The state government encouraged pupils to wear face masks as a protective measure, although their use is not compulsory.
“Although it is not compulsory under government regulations, we encourage students and pupils to wear face masks.
“That is why the state government is providing these face masks, with distribution to be coordinated for affected schools,” he said.
Najwan was speaking after the handover ceremony for the face masks to the Selangor JPN at the lobby of the State Secretariat Building today.
He added that the contribution, presented on behalf of Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, was an initiative by the State Disaster Management Unit.
Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor, Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan, and the state government supported the initiative.
Meanwhile, the councillor's office is also obtaining the latest updates from the Selangor JPN on pupils’ conditions and the haze situation at schools throughout the state.
Najwan noted that the state government could consider introducing an earlier notification period if schools needed to close due to the haze.
This would give parents more time to make the necessary arrangements should air quality deteriorate further.
He also hopes that the haze will subside soon so that school sessions can continue without compromising pupils’ health and safety.