Sarawak has extended the temporary closure of schools in the Serian and Lubok Antu districts until the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading falls below 200 amid continued haze.
The Sarawak State Education Department said the decision was made following continuous monitoring of API readings through the Department of Environment’s Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), as well as reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
However, schools under 12 other District Education Offices will resume normal operations on Monday. They are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh.
“Any changes regarding school operations or latest developments will be announced from time to time,” the department said in a statement tonight.
The department also said the Education Ministry, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), would soon distribute face masks to students, teachers and school staff in areas severely affected by the haze.
It reiterated that the welfare, health and safety of students remain its top priority, particularly during periods of hot and hazy weather.
According to the department, all outdoor activities involving students must be stopped when the API exceeds 100. Schools in affected areas or districts must close immediately when the reading exceeds 200, while teachers and school staff are not required to report for duty if the API surpasses 500.
Schools will reopen once the API reading drops below 200.
Parents and guardians who are concerned about their children’s health may also keep them at home, provided they inform the school. Temporary school closures may additionally be ordered based on recommendations from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee.
The department urged all district education offices and schools to take preventive measures, including ensuring sufficient supplies of clean drinking water, encouraging students to bring their own water, and advising them to wear face masks and stay hydrated regularly to help regulate body temperature.
