All primary and secondary schools under 10 District Education Offices (PPDs) in Sarawak will resume operations as usual on Monday (Aug 24), following improvements in Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
The Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) said the affected PPDs are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong.
The decision was made based on API readings recorded at 10am today (Aug 23) through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS). JPNS said any further changes or updates would be announced from time to time.
However, schools have been reminded to remain vigilant should haze conditions worsen in their respective areas. Outdoor activities involving students must be suspended when the API exceeds 100, while schools in affected areas or districts must close immediately if the reading surpasses 200.
If the API reaches above 500, teachers and school staff will not be required to report to school. JPNS said reopening would remain subject to API readings staying below 200, with preparations possible when readings show a sustained downward trend.
Temporary school closures may also be implemented based on recommendations from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
JPNS also urged schools to monitor activities that could expose students to hot or hazy conditions, ensure adequate supplies of clean drinking water and encourage students to bring their own water.
Students are advised to wear nasal masks and drink water regularly, while boarding schools should provide drinking water if conditions become critical and alternative sources are unavailable.
Educational institutions have also been advised to work closely with nearby clinics and hospitals if students develop complications linked to haze exposure.
JPNS reminded all schools to follow the Ministry of Education Malaysia Circular No. 1 of 2019, which outlines measures to protect students’ health and safety in areas affected by critical haze.
Schools and PPDs should continue monitoring API readings through the Department of Environment’s official APIMS portal and the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB) website. They were also urged to follow health recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to protect students and education personnel.
