KUCHING: All primary and secondary schools in Lubok Antu and Kanowit districts have been temporarily closed due to worsening air quality.
The Sarawak Education Department said the temporary closure took effect immediately yesterday when unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings were recorded in both districts.
The state Natural Resources and Environment Board’s API status for Sarawak showed very unhealthy readings of 205 in Lubok Antu and 219 in Kanowit at 1pm yesterday.
“Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will be implemented as provided in the Education Ministry’s circular on the management of teaching and learning during disasters,” the department said in a statement.
For schools located near districts where the API reading exceeds 200, it said headmasters and principals can consider implementing PdPR to protect their students’ health and safety.
It added that headmasters and principals can also take steps to reopen their schools once the API reading drops below 200.
The department reminded schools to comply with the standard operating procedures concerning students’ health and safety in areas affected by critical haze conditions.
It advised educational institutions to observe the guidelines on outdoor activities during hot weather and monitor the latest API readings in their respective districts through the Department of Environment’s API portal.
