Sarawak schools told to halt outdoor activities as haze pushes air quality into unhealthy range

The Sarawak Education Department has mandated schools to cease outdoor activities whenever the Air Pollutant Index (API) surpasses 100. This directive is a precautionary measure to protect children's well-being and safety amidst rising temperatures and haze. Director Omar Mahli emphasized that the order aimed to safeguard pupils' health during sweltering conditions.

Schools are also prohibited from conducting outdoor activities during excessively high temperatures and must ensure access to clean drinking water and encourage pupils to carry their own. Wearing face masks and staying adequately hydrated is advised to maintain healthy body temperatures. Hostels students must receive drinking water if no other source is accessible.

Educational institutions are urged to remain watchful, collaborate with nearby healthcare facilities, and provide assistance to any pupils who experience health issues. The directive came into effect following a surge in haze across Sarawak, with 15 locations recording unhealthy API readings. The highest measurement was 189 in Serian, followed by Samarahan and Tebedu, each recording 169.

Kuching, Bintulu, Samalaju, Sri Aman, Sibu, and Mukah recorded 165, 159, 155, 154, 154, and 154, respectively. Sarikei reported 153, Miri 144, ILP Miri 118, and Lundu 107. The Sarawak Schools Sports Council (MSSS) Athletics Championships 2026 scheduled for August 10 to 14 at UNIMAS Stadium has been postponed due to unhealthy API readings in Samarahan.

A revised date will be announced later. All schools are advised to adhere to guidelines issued by the Health Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry to ensure the welfare of pupils and education staff.