647 Sarawak schools to close for 5 days over haze
KUCHING: A total of 647 schools in Sarawak will be closed for five days from Sept 7 to 11 due to haze and unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in several areas.
Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, is set to close 647 schools for five days starting from September 7 due to deteriorating air quality. The closures affect 563 primary schools with 108,477 students and 84 secondary schools with 90,082 students, according to the Sarawak Education director Omar Mahli. The decision aims to prioritize the wellbeing and safety of students during a period of high temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions.
The schools affected are located in Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Kanowit, Julau, and Meradong district education offices. During the closure, home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will be implemented. This decision aligns with guidelines provided by the Education Ministry Circular Letter No. 8 of 2016 for managing teaching and learning during disasters.
The department advises schools to follow the guidelines outlined in Education Ministry Circular Letter No. 1 of 2019 for safeguarding students' health and safety in areas with critical haze conditions. The Sarawak Education Department emphasizes the importance of adhering to these guidelines and continuously monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings through the Air Pollutant Index Management System to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers, and the entire education community.
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