KUCHING: Year Six pupil Asyraf Saibi diligently takes notes as he sits in front of a laptop at home.
The SK Matang pupil is one of 238,303 students in 14 districts across Sarawak undergoing home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) this week as their schools are closed due to the haze.
His father Saibi Gi welcomed the implementation of PdPR to ensure students can continue learning without leaving the house and being exposed to the haze.
“To prepare for PdPR, I made sure we had a laptop and Internet connection ready in a suitable spot at home.
“Since he is studying at home, we also monitor him to make sure he is following the online classes and completing his homework,” he said.
Saibi also said he was concerned about the haze’s negative health effects, especially in causing coughing, breathing difficulties and eye irritation.
“As parents, we try to make sure that Asyraf doesn’t go out unnecessarily.
“We have also reduced his outdoor activities and had him spend more time at home,” he said.
Last Saturday, the state Education Department said 617 primary schools and 93 secondary schools would be closed this week because of hazy conditions.
The temporary closure affects 130,953 primary school pupils and 107,350 secondary school students in Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh education districts.
“PdPR will be implemented throughout the closure in accordance with the Education Ministry’s guidelines on managing teaching and learning during disasters.
“Schools in the state should comply with the Health Ministry’s recommendations to protect the health of students and staff,” it said.
Schools should also monitor the air quality in their respective districts by referring to the Environment Department’s air pollutant index management system, it added.
