KUCHING: Schools under the Serian and Lubok Antu District Education Offices (PPD) will remain temporarily closed until the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the respective districts fall below 200.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPN Sarawak) said schools under the other 12 PPDs in the state would resume operations as usual from Sept 14.
The 12 PPDs are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh.
“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 made based on continuous monitoring of API readings through the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), as well as reports issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
It said any changes or latest information regarding the situation would be announced from time to time.
The department also stressed that the welfare, health and safety of students remained a priority, particularly during hot weather or other unexpected weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry (MOE), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), will distribute face masks in the near future 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 if 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.
JPN Sarawak added that schools could prepare for reopening when API readings showed a downward trend and fell below 200, subject to the prevailing situation.
Temporary school closures could also be implemented based on recommendations from the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) from time to time.
The department advised all district education offices and educational institutions under its supervision to monitor activities that could expose students to hot or hazy conditions and ensure sufficient supplies of clean drinking water.
Students are also advised to wear face masks and drink sufficient water regularly to maintain body temperature.
For boarding schools, drinking water should be supplied to students if the situation became critical and no other sources were available.
JPN Sarawak also urged schools to remain vigilant and cooperate with nearby clinics and hospitals should students experience any complications arising from the haze.
All educational institutions are reminded to comply with the guidelines under the Education Ministry Circular No. 1 of 2019 on measures to ensure the health and safety of students in schools located in areas affected by critical haze.
JPN Sarawak also advised institutions to monitor local API readings through the DOE’s APIMS portal and follow advice issued by the Health Ministry from time to time.
Parents and guardians may also choose not to send their children to school if they have concerns about their health due to the haze, provided they inform the school concerned.
JPN Sarawak said it remained committed to safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of all members of the education community.
