Haze: 108 Schools In Serian Closed As API Exceeds 200

KUCHING, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 108 schools in the Serian area have been temporarily closed following Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeding 200 as a precautionary measure to protect the safety, health and well-being of students and school staff.

The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) said that following the closures, Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) would continue throughout the period to ensure students’ learning was not disrupted.

“Under the National Haze Action Plan, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak State Education Department director, schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately once the API reaches 200,” Sarawak JPBN said in a statement today.

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, while readings above 300 are hazardous.

JPBN Sarawak said ambient air quality in Sarawak had shown an upward trend in API readings since Aug 1.

“As of 4 pm today, two areas recorded API readings in the very unhealthy category, namely 212 in Tebedu and 202 in Serian, while 11 areas were in the unhealthy category, namely Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Lundu, Lubok Antu and Lawas,” it said.

Sarawak JPBN also advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, particularly when air quality readings were at unhealthy levels or higher.

“High-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory or heart problems, should limit their exposure to polluted air.

“Sarawak JPBN urges the public not to speculate or disseminate inaccurate information regarding the haze situation and to obtain the latest information only through official government channels,” it said.

-- BERNAMA