KUCHING: A total of 107 schools in Serian division have been temporarily closed after the air pollutant index (API) exceeded 200 on Wednesday (Aug 12).
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah said this was in line with the National Haze Action Plan, which mandates the immediate closure of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres once the API breaches 200, deemed very unhealthy.
"This is a precautionary measure to protect the safety, health and wellbeing of students and school staff.
"Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will be implemented throughout the closure period to ensure the continuity of learning for the students," he said in a statement.
Uggah, who chairs the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said the air quality in Sarawak had shown a rising trend in API readings since Aug 1.
At 4pm on Wednesday, Tebedu and Serian recorded very unhealthy levels of 212 and 202 respectively, while 11 other areas recorded unhealthy readings from 115 to 178.
However, the API in Serian improved slightly to 198 as at 5pm.
Uggah also reminded the public to refrain from open burning during the ongoing hot weather.
He said offenders were liable to a fine of RM100,000, five years' jail or both upon conviction under the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance.
In addition, he advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, while high-risk groups like children, senior citizens, pregnant women and those with heart and respiratory conditions should limit their exposure to polluted air.
"SDMC and the relevant agencies will continue to monitor the air quality, weather conditions, hotspots and fire occurrences across Sarawak.
"We will coordinate our response to ensure that appropriate measures will be taken should there be an increased risk to public safety, health and wellbeing," Uggah said.
