KUCHING: The haze situation in Sarawak is expected to improve as wind patterns shift direction, potentially pushing smoke from Kalimantan towards Java.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the prevailing southwesterly winds were currently carrying smoke from fire-affected areas in Kalimantan.
“Much of it depends on the direction of the wind. We are currently facing the southwest, with air moving upwards from below,” he said here Wednesday.
He said the wind pattern was expected to change as the region approached a period when the seasonal circulation shifted direction.
Abdul Karim said the changing wind direction could eventually carry smoke towards Java and other areas, potentially reducing haze affecting Sarawak.
He said decisions to close schools or cancel activities due to haze should be based on clear and consistent standard procedures.
“If the Air Pollution Index (API) reaches 200 at a particular location, schools there should close. We should not close them prematurely at 150,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) Director, Omar Mahli said current haze conditions had improved, with Kuching and several areas recording healthier API readings.
He said Education Ministry guidelines stated that outdoor activities were prohibited when the API reached 100 or above, while readings above 200 were considered very unhealthy.
“Although the readings have decreased, the air quality is still considered unhealthy, so outdoor school activities are not allowed at present,” Omar said.
He said schools had only three remaining days before a week-long holiday, which would help reduce students’ exposure to outdoor haze.
Omar said outdoor activities could resume once conditions stabilised, with school principals and headmasters having the discretion to assess local conditions before allowing activities.
