Haze-Affected Schools In Sarawak To Reopen Tomorrow - State Education Dept

KUCHING, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- All primary and secondary schools under the supervision of 10 district education offices (PPDs) in Sarawak will operate as usual from tomorrow (Aug 24) after Air Pollutant Index (API) readings showed conditions conducive to schools reopening.

The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said that the schools involved are under the Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong PPDs.

It said that the decision was made based on the API readings from the Department of Environment’s official portal via the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), recorded at 10 am today.

“Any changes or latest information will be announced from time to time,” the department said in a statement today.

It added that students’ well-being, health, and safety are always prioritised, particularly during hot weather or unexpected weather conditions.

In this regard, schools have been reminded to suspend all outdoor activities involving students if the API reading exceeds 100.

“Schools in the affected areas or districts must be closed immediately when the API reading exceeds 200, while teachers and school staff are not required to report for duty if the reading exceeds 500,” it said.

The department said the reopening of schools would depend on the API reading falling below 200, with preparations for reopening to be made if the reading trend shows a decline towards that level.

Temporary closure of schools may also be implemented based on recommendations by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) from time to time.

Meanwhile, all PPDs and educational institutions under the department’s supervision have been reminded to monitor activities that could expose students to hot weather or haze and ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water.

Students have also been advised to wear face masks and drink water frequently and in appropriate amounts to help regulate body temperature.

For boarding school students, schools should provide drinking water if the situation becomes critical and there are no other sources available, in addition to maintaining cooperation with nearby clinics and hospitals in the event of health complications caused by haze.

All educational institutions are reminded to comply with the Ministry of Education guidelines on measures to safeguard the health and safety of students in schools located in haze-affected areas deemed critical.

Educational institutions have also been urged to monitor API levels through APIMS or the official website of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), as well as comply with recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health from time to time.

-- BERNAMA