I WAS travelling to work on bus No. 911 yesterday when I saw a family with two children, who seemed to be of primary school going age, going to Woodlands Checkpoint with their luggage.

It is irresponsible of parents to take their children for holidays overseas while the Influenza A (H1N1) virus is spreading in Singapore.

It is especially so at this time - one week before the school term begins.

Even if it were only a short trip, the children would have less than a week in which to monitor their condition before school starts.

It would be even worse if they are taken to student care centres the day after their return.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) was debating whether to have the school term start one to two weeks later.

I doubt it would be of much help, as irresponsible parents would most likely take this opportunity to holiday abroad with their children.

The only way to ensure that children would remain in Singapore is if MOE retains the children's passports.

I urge schools to check all children's passports when the term begins and to send home those who had been overseas in the last week of the school holidays.

The parents of these children should not complain that their children would miss lessons as they should be prepared for the consequences of their actions.

Ms Cheryl Ong

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