KUCHING: All primary and secondary schools in Serian, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu districts will be temporarily closed on Wednesday (Oct 14) due to unhealthy air quality.
In a statement on Tuesday (Oct 13), the state Education Department said the decision was made based on the air pollutant index (API) readings in the affected districts at 2pm.
The state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) website showed API readings of 155 in Serian, 164 in Sri Aman and 179 in Lubok Antu.
The Education Department said home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will be implemented during the closure, while teachers and support staff are allowed to work from home.
"For schools located near districts with API readings above 150, headmasters and principals can consider implementing PdPR, taking into account the health and safety of students," it said.
The department added that headmasters and principals can take steps to reopen their schools once the API reading drops below 150.
However, it said the Special School Entry Assessment, Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia and Sarawak's Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme will continue as scheduled.
Notices and further instructions on implementing the assessment and examinations can be found on the department's official Facebook page.
