KUCHING, Sept 4 — A total of 647 primary and secondary schools in Sarawak will be temporarily closed for five days starting this Monday due to haze conditions that have caused Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in several locations across the state to reach unhealthy levels.
Sarawak State Education Department (JPN Sarawak) announced that the closure, effective from Sept 7 to 11, involves 563 primary schools with 108,477 pupils and 84 secondary schools with 90,082 students.
The department said the decision was made based on continuous monitoring of API readings throughout the school holidays and reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia).
“The affected schools fall under the supervision of 12 District Education Offices (PPD): Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Julau, and Meradong.
“Consequently, Teaching and Learning from Home (PdPR) sessions will be implemented throughout the temporary closure period for the schools affected by the haze,” the department said in a statement today.
JPN Sarawak stated that any changes or latest developments would be announced from time to time, while schools were reminded to adhere to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to always prioritize the health of students and teachers.
“All educational institutions under the supervision of JPN Sarawak are also advised to monitor API developments in their respective areas via the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal.
Earlier, the His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia,consented to the declaration of an emergency across the Serian district in Sarawak, following haze conditions that reached air pollution levels hazardous to public health and safety.
The Prime Minister's Office announced in a statement that the decision was made after taking into account the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and relevant agencies regarding air quality levels in the area.
