SERIAN: Six schools in Tebedu were temporarily closed today (Aug 12) after the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeded 200 amid worsening haze conditions.
The closures affected 579 pupils and 104 staff members under the administration of the Serian District Education Office.
According to the Sarawak State Education Department, the schools involved as of 10.30 am were SK Sejijag, SK Sungai Sameran, SK Tepoi, SK Entubuh, SK Temong and SK Tema.
SK Temong recorded the largest number affected, involving 205 pupils and 21 staff members, followed by SK Sungai Sameran with 129 pupils and 21 staff members.
The department said the closures were a precautionary measure implemented in accordance with Ministry of Education guidelines to safeguard the health and well-being of pupils and school personnel.
“Principals and headmasters must act immediately based on the current API readings in their respective areas and do not need to wait for closure instructions from the district or state Education Department,” it said, adding that schools must promptly notify both offices for coordination, monitoring and record-keeping.
The directive is in line with the Ministry of Education’s Circular No. 1 of 2019, which requires all schools in areas where the API surpasses 200 to close immediately.
Despite the temporary closures, teaching and learning will continue through online home-based learning to ensure pupils can keep up with their studies.
Schools have also been instructed to maintain clear communication with parents and guardians while closely monitoring the welfare and health of pupils.
The department, through the Serian District Education Office, will continue monitoring air quality conditions and API readings in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Any decision to reopen the affected schools will depend on the latest API readings, prevailing conditions and guidelines currently in force.
Parents and guardians were urged to rely on official announcements from schools and the education authorities and refrain from circulating unverified information.
