Sarawak schools told to suspend outdoor activities if API exceeds 100

KUCHING, Aug 10 — All schools across Sarawak have been directed to diligently monitor Air Pollutant Index (API) levels in their specific locations as the transboundary haze currently impacting the region persists. The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) communicated that any educational facilities under its jurisdiction should cancel all outdoor activities should the weather become excessively hot.

The department clarified that in regions where API measurements surpass 100, all student-focused outdoor activities must be put on hold. JPNS emphasized that educational institutions must remain informed of haze situation updates through media channels in their specific areas or districts and adhere to the Ministry of Health's recommendations as needed.

Additionally, the department recommended that students wear face masks and consume sufficient water regularly to help control their body temperature. Schools were urged to maintain sufficient supplies of clean drinking water and encourage students to carry their own personal water containers. They were also advised to stay alert and collaborate with nearby medical facilities in case of any adverse effects on students resulting from the hot weather conditions.

As of this morning, the number of Sarawak areas experiencing unhealthy API readings due to cross-border haze has increased to nine. According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), these areas include Kuching (161), Samarahan (161), Serian (179), Sri Aman (155), Sarikei (155), Sibu (158), Mukah (156), Bintulu (142), and Samalaju (141).

An API reading ranging from zero to 50 signifies good air quality, 51 to 100 indicates moderate quality, 101 to 200 denotes unhealthy conditions, 201 to 300 represents very unhealthy conditions, and readings above 300 are classified as hazardous. The API data is updated hourly based on readings collected from 68 air quality monitoring stations throughout the country.