Haze shuts 63 schools in Bintulu, Tatau and Sebauh
KUCHING: A total of 63 schools in Bintulu, Tatau and Sebauh will be closed from Sept 7 to 11 after the air pollutant index (API) reading in Bintulu reached the "very unhealthy" level.
A total of 63 schools across Bintulu, Tatau, and Sebauh districts in Sarawak will be closed from September 7 to 11 due to hazardous air quality. The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) announced the closure of 54 primary schools with 22,476 students and nine secondary schools with 17,268 students. This decision was made after the air pollutant index (API) in Bintulu reached the "very unhealthy" level, with a reading of 206 as of 8pm today.
The Department of Environment's Malaysian air pollutant index management system (APIMS) recorded this alarming reading. In response, the JPNS has implemented Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) throughout the closure period. The department encourages schools to adhere to the prescribed standard operating procedures and prioritize the health of students and teachers.
Educational institutions are advised to regularly check the latest API readings through the APIMS and comply with recommendations from the Health Ministry to protect the well-being of students and education personnel. With this latest closure, a total of 617 primary schools and 93 secondary schools across 14 PPDs in Sarawak have been temporarily shut down due to cross-border haze.
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