Sarawak orders schools to halt outdoor activities amid unhealthy API readings

Sarawak has mandated an immediate suspension of all outdoor activities for students in regions where the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpasses 100, according to the Sarawak Education Department. Director Omar Mahli emphasized the department's emphasis on prioritizing the health and safety of pupils amidst sweltering weather and haze.

Schools are advised to postpone any outdoor activities if the weather becomes excessively hot, while closely monitoring activities that could potentially expose pupils to such conditions. Schools in areas with API readings exceeding 100 must cease all outdoor pursuits, according to Mahli. Dr Les Anak Met, deputy director of the Sarawak Education Department's School Management Sector, stressed the importance of ongoing API monitoring and the adjustment of outdoor and co-curricular activities in accordance with the levels and directives issued by authorities.

The health and well-being of students and school personnel, especially those with respiratory conditions like asthma, are paramount. District education offices are tasked with continuous monitoring of schools and providing updates to the Sarawak Education Department. The MSSS 2026 Athletics Championship, set to take place from August 10 to 14 at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Stadium, has been postponed due to unhealthy API readings in several areas, including Samarahan which recorded the highest reading of 190.

Eleven Sarawakian areas currently have API readings classified as unhealthy, with readings ranging from 123 to 190.