{
  "id": 2280495,
  "title": "Sarawak closes 591 schools as haze worsens",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/sarawak-closes-591-schools-as-haze-worsens",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T02:37:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1515770/sarawak-closes-591-schools-haze-worsens"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sarawak has closed a total of 591 schools due to worsening air quality caused by transboundary haze, according to the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System. The air quality index (API) in Serian, near the Malaysia-Indonesia border, reached 242, which is categorized as very unhealthy. Eight other areas in Sarawak also recorded high API readings between 153 and 189. Air quality is rated from good (0-50) to hazardous (above 300). The Sarawak Education Department announced that 509 primary schools with 107,590 pupils and 82 secondary schools with 89,733 students were affected by the closures. The schools are under the supervision of 10 District Education Offices in Sarawak, including Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, and Betong.",
  "summary": "KUCHING: A total of 591 schools in Sarawak were closed today as air quality deteriorated amid transboundary haze, with the API in Serian reaching 242.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sarawak closes 591 schools due to worsening air quality from transboundary haze.",
    "Air quality index in Serian reaches 242, categorized as very unhealthy.",
    "509 primary and 82 secondary schools affected, serving 107,590 and 89,733 students respectively."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The school closures mark a significant disruption to education in Sarawak, affecting nearly 200,000 students, as authorities prioritize health concerns over academic schedules amid worsening transboundary haze.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}