KUCHING, Sept 18: A total of 337 primary and secondary schools in Sarawak were closed today due to worsening haze situation.
The state Education Department informed in a press statement that they received the notice of closure from all the schools involved at 9pm yesterday (Sept 17).
The 281 primary schools and 56 secondary schools are located in Betong (55), Bau (44), Kuching (85), Lubok Antu (1), Padawan (85), Samarahan (1), Sri Aman (41), Lundu (24) and Kanowit (1).
The closure has affected a total of 138,384 students.
The Education Department explained that based on the Education Ministry’s circular, if the air pollution index (API) readings exceeded 200, then schools in the affected area or district should be closed immediately 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
