Close Only Schools?

Star Q

i.  Haze : School Off, Shopping On

ii.  Cheesy Mango Floats

iii.  Writing Conclusions - A Starter

This haze that our neighbours so generously give to us is causing us more harm than we know.  We all know how it can adversely affect young children which resulted in the closing of schools by the Ministry of Education for almost five days.

I can fully understand that schools need to be closed so that the young children can stay in the safety of their own homes and the care of their responsible parents (I'm being cynical here!), away from the unhealthy effects of this haze.  And recently, the Ministry decided that it is not only the children who are susceptible to the haze but also teachers, principals, headmasters and the school clerks, which resulted in total closure of schools for two days, beginning today!

The surprising thing is, it is only the Ministry of Education, with regards to schools, who realizes that lives can be saved this way.  However, all other government agencies continue to have their offices open oblivious (or pretend to be oblivious) to the fact that adults are just as susceptible to the haze that they inhale.  

I mean, the government does not have to keep on closing premises every time there is a haze situation.  I am merely suggesting that there should be a guideline as to when government premises should be closed.  For example, if schools are closed once the IPU reaches more than 150, then there should also be a certain gauge when offices should be closed.

Recently, one of the districts in Malaysia reached 308 IPU, but there were still no actions taken by the authorities.  People went on their business as usual.  Commuters went on using public transports and private vehicles to get to and from work.  Smokers continue to smoke as they go to work and at work.  And rubbish continue to be burnt indiscriminately.  All these contribute to fumes which then contribute to the already unhealthy haze situation.

And when all this happens, the one thing that we can expect is more people will become sick and not able to go to work.  I know the government does not really care if a few of its civil servants (stress on the word servants!) because they are dispensable.  

But, talking about dispensable.  It is not only the government servants who are dispensable..............