Jerebu: 108 sekolah di Serian catat IPU lebih 200 ditutup

At 4 o'clock yesterday, two regions reported PM2.5 readings in the "very unhealthy" category, with 212 in Tebedu and 202 in Serian, Sarawak. KUCHING: A total of 108 schools are temporarily closed in the Serian area due to PM2.5 levels exceeding 200 as a preventive measure to safeguard the safety, health, and well-being of students and school staff.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee informed that the continuation of classroom instruction through Home-Based Learning (PdPR) would ensure uninterrupted education for students throughout the affected period. "According to the National Jerebu Action Plan, under the authority of the Sarawak Education Department Director-General, schools, kindergartens, and sports clubs will be closed immediately upon PM2.5 readings reaching 200," stated the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee in a statement today.

PM2.5 readings ranging from 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings exceeding 300 hazardous. Sarawak Disaster Management Committee clarified that air quality in Sarawak shows an upward trend in PM2.5 readings since August 1. "As of 4 o'clock today, two regions report PM2.5 levels in the 'very unhealthy' category, namely 212 in Tebedu and 202 in Serian, while 11 regions are in the 'unhealthy' category, including Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Lundu, Lubok Antu, and Lawas," according to the statement.

Sarawak Disaster Management Committee also advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, especially when air quality readings are unhealthy or higher. "High-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, should limit exposure to polluted air. Sarawak Disaster Management Committee urges the public not to speculate or spread inaccurate information related to the pollution situation and to seek the latest information only through official government channels," they added.