Two schools in Kuala Baram shut due to worsening smog

MIRI: Two schools in Kuala Baram in northern Sarawak have been shut down until further notice, effective noon on Thursday (Aug 22), following worsening haze caused by forest fires.

The Sarawak Disaster Relief Management Committee announced that SK Kuala Baram 2 and SJK Chung Hua Tudan have been told they must close.

"The Air Pollutant Index near the schools has reached 223 and both will close until further notice," said the committee secretariat.

SK Kuala Baram has about 600 pupils and teaching staff, while SJK Chung Hua Tudan has more than 1,300 pupils and teachers.

The forest fires in Kuala Baram are worsening, causing a sharp rise in the air pollution.