647 Sarawak schools with nearly 200,000 pupils to close from Sept 7 until 11 over hazardous haze, switching to home-based learning across 12 districts.
KUCHING: A total of 647 primary and secondary schools in Sarawak will close temporarily for five days starting Monday due to haze that has pushed Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in several locations in the state into the unhealthy range.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPN) said 563 primary schools with 108,477 pupils and 84 secondary schools with 90,082 pupils will be closed from Sept 7 to 11, following continuous monitoring of API readings during the school holidays and reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
“The schools involved are under the supervision of 12 district education offices: Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Julau and Meradong.
“Schools affected by the haze will switch to Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) throughout the temporary closure,” the Sarawak JPN said in a statement today.
It also reminded schools to follow the prescribed standard operating procedures and prioritise the health of pupils and teachers, adding that it will provide updates on any developments.
“All educational institutions under the supervision of the Sarawak JPN are also advised to monitor API readings in their respective areas through the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal,” it added.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today consented to the declaration of an emergency throughout Sarawak’s Serian Division after worsening haze pushed air pollution to a level hazardous to public health and safety.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement that the decision was made after considering advice from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and relevant agencies on air quality in the area.
