KUCHING, Sept 17: A total of 298 schools in Sarawak were ordered to close today due to the worsening haze situation.
The state Education Department, in a statement, said the closure affected a total of 128,291 students.
“As at 11pm yesterday, the state education department received report of 298 schools that will close for today. A total of 245 are primary schools, while the other 53 are secondary schools,” the statement said.
Kuching has registered as the highest number of schools closure of 85, followed by Betong (51), Padawan (46), Bau (44), Sri Aman (41), Lundu (22), Lubok Antu (5) and Samarahan (3).
The Air Pollutant Index (API) registered the highest reading of 365 in Sri Aman and 261 in Kuching, at 8am.
The Education Department also reminded schools that if the API readings exceed 200 in their areas, they need to abide by the Education Ministry’s circular by immediately closing the schools until the situation improves.
An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100 moderate; 101 to 200 unhealthy; 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and 300 and above, hazardous. — DayakDaily
