All primary and secondary schools under 10 district education offices (PPDs) in Sarawak will reopen as usual tomorrow after Air Pollutant Index (API) readings showed that conditions were suitable for classes to resume.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said the schools are under the Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong PPDs.
The decision was based on API readings recorded at 10 am today through the Department of Environment’s official Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, it said in a statement.
However, JPNS said schools must suspend all outdoor activities involving students if the API reading exceeds 100. Furthermore, schools in affected areas must close immediately if the reading rises above 200. Teachers and school staff are not required to report for duty when the reading exceeds 500.
The department said schools could reopen when API readings fall below 200. Temporary closures may also be implemented based on recommendations from the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS).
In the meantime, schools have been reminded to monitor activities that could expose students to haze or hot weather and ensure adequate supplies of clean drinking water.
Students are also advised to wear face masks and drink sufficient water regularly. For boarding schools, drinking water should be provided if conditions become critical and alternative sources are unavailable.
JPNS further urged educational institutions to monitor API readings through APIMS and comply with Ministry of Education guidelines and health recommendations on protecting students in haze-affected areas.
