KUCHING: Schools in Tebedu will be closed on Monday (Oct 26) due to deteriorating air quality in the district, which lies close to the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.
The state Education Department said the temporary closure affects one secondary school and 26 primary schools.
"Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will be implemented in accordance with the Education Ministry's guidelines for managing teaching and learning during disasters.
"Teachers and school staff will be allowed to work from home during the closure," it said in a statement on Sunday (Oct 25).
According to the state Natural Resources and Environment Board's (NREB) website, Tebedu recorded a very unhealthy air pollutant index (API) reading of 206 at 3pm on Sunday.
The Education Department said the decision to close schools temporarily will apply to all primary and secondary schools in districts where the API exceeds 200.
However, in-person school sessions will continue for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates, who are advised to wear face masks.
The SPM Bahasa Malaysia speaking test is scheduled to start on Monday (Oct 26).
