KUCHING: All primary and secondary schools under the Serian District Education Office (PPD) will resume operations as usual from tomorrow (Monday, Aug. 17), following improvements in the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
The State Education Department (JPNS) said the decision was based on the API reading recorded at 1:00 pm today through the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
“JPN Sarawak is pleased to inform that all secondary and primary schools under the supervision of PPD Serian will operate as usual from August 17, 2026,” it said in a statement today.
The department stressed that the welfare, health and safety of students remain its priority, particularly when dealing with hot weather or other unforeseen weather conditions.
It also reminded schools to adhere to the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and refer to 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 haze deemed critical.
JPNS also advised all educational institutions under its supervision to follow the guidelines outlined in Education Ministry Circular No. 3 of 2023 on outdoor activities during hot weather.
Schools have also been advised to closely monitor developments by referring to the DOE’s APIMS to keep track of API levels in their respective areas or districts.
They are also required to comply with recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH) from time to time to safeguard the health of students and education personnel.
JPNS said any changes or latest developments would be announced from time to time.
“The department takes seriously the health, safety and well-being of all its personnel,” it said.
