Six schools in Sarawak shift to online learning as haze hits ‘very unhealthy’ levels

KUCHING, Aug 12 — Six schools in Sarawak's Tebedu district have been temporarily closed due to hazardous air quality caused by intense haze. The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) cited the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings surpassing 200, as per the Education Ministry's (MOE) guidelines, prioritizing student and staff safety.

The affected schools include SK Sejijag, SK Sungai Sameran, SK Tepoi, SK Entubuh, SK Temong, and SK Tema, managed by the Serian District Education Office (Serian PPD). JPNS emphasized that schools should not await specific directives from PPD or JPNS to halt operations when API readings exceed 200. Instead, principals and headmasters must swiftly close schools based on their local API readings.

Online home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will persist throughout school closures to mitigate learning disruptions. Schools are required to report closures to PPD and JPNS immediately for coordination and record-keeping. Continual monitoring of API readings by schools and prompt response in line with MOE guidelines are crucial.

The decision on school reopenings hinges on latest API readings, environmental conditions, and directives. JPNS stresses the paramount importance of student and staff safety, urging parents and guardians to rely on official updates from schools, Serian PPD, and JPNS, refraining from unofficial information.