KUCHING: A total of 30 schools involving 4,035 students in Lubok Antu have been temporarily closed today due to the haze.
The Sarawak Education Department said the closure involved all educational institutions under the supervision of the Lubok Antu District Education Office.
It comprises 28 primary schools with 2,242 pupils and two secondary schools with 1,793 students.
The department said the decision took immediate effect based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded as of 8:00 pm on Thursday (Aug. 27).
“The hot weather affecting the country has also caused several locations in Sarawak to record unhealthy API levels,” it said in a statement on Thursday.
It said any changes or latest information on the closure would be announced from time to time.
Schools were also reminded to comply with the stipulated standard operating procedures and prioritise the health and safety of students and teachers.
All educational institutions under the department must also adhere to the Education Ministry’s guidelines on outdoor activities during hot weather.
They were advised to monitor API levels in their respective areas through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System portal and follow recommendations issued by the Health Ministry.
