KUCHING: Schools under the Serian and Lubok Antu District Education Offices (PPDs) will remain temporarily closed until Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in both districts fall below 200.
The Sarawak State Education Department (JPN Sarawak) said schools under the other 12 PPDs – Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh – will resume operations as usual from Sept 14.
“The temporary closure of schools under PPD Serian and PPD Lubok Antu will be extended until the Serian and Lubok Antu districts record API readings below 200,” it said in a statement.
JPN Sarawak said the decision was based on continuous monitoring of API readings through the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), as well as reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
It said any changes or further updates would be announced from time to time, with the welfare, health and safety of students remaining its priority.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry (MOE), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), will distribute face masks to students, teachers and school staff at schools identified as severely affected by the haze.
JPN Sarawak also reminded schools to suspend all outdoor activities involving students when API readings exceed 100.
“If the API reading exceeds 200, all schools in the affected area or district must be closed immediately.
“If the API reading exceeds 500, teachers and school staff are not required to report to school,” it said.
Schools may prepare to reopen once API readings show a downward trend and fall below 200, subject to prevailing conditions.
Temporary closures may also be implemented based on recommendations from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
JPN Sarawak advised schools to closely monitor activities that could expose students to hot or hazy conditions and ensure sufficient supplies of clean drinking water.
Students were advised to wear face masks and drink sufficient water regularly, while boarding schools should provide drinking water if conditions become critical and other sources are unavailable.
Schools were also urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with nearby clinics and hospitals should students experience health complications due to the haze.
Parents and guardians concerned about their children’s health may choose not to send them to school, provided they inform the school concerned.
JPN Sarawak reminded educational institutions to monitor local API readings through APIMS and comply with the Education Ministry’s guidelines for schools affected by critical haze.
