By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 23: Schools in 10 districts across Sarawak will reopen and resume normal operations tomorrow (Aug 24) following improved Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPN Sarawak) said all primary and secondary schools under the Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong District Education Offices (PPD) would operate as usual from tomorrow.
The decision was based on API readings recorded at 10am today through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).
JPN Sarawak said it would continue monitoring the situation, with any changes or latest updates to be announced from time to time.
The department also reminded schools to prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of students, particularly during hot weather or unexpected weather conditions.
Under the department’s haze guidelines, all outdoor activities involving students must be stopped if the API reading exceeds 100.
Schools in affected areas must be closed immediately if the API exceeds 200, while teachers and school staff are not required to report to school if the API exceeds 500.
JPN Sarawak said schools could be reopened when API readings fell below 200, particularly when the trend showed a sustained decline, allowing preparations for reopening to begin.
Temporary school closures could also be implemented based on recommendations from the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS).
The department also urged schools to monitor activities that could expose students to excessive heat or haze, ensure sufficient supplies of clean drinking water and encourage students to bring their own water.
Students were also advised to wear nasal masks and drink water regularly to help regulate body temperature.
Boarding schools have been reminded to provide drinking water to students if conditions become critical and no other source is available.
JPN Sarawak also advised schools to remain vigilant and cooperate with nearby clinics and hospitals should students develop complications related to haze exposure.
The department urged all educational institutions under its supervision to comply with the Education Ministry’s Circular No. 1 of 2019 on measures to safeguard students’ health and safety in schools located in areas affected by critical haze.
Schools have also been advised to monitor API readings through APIMS and the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB) website, as well as follow advice issued by the Health Ministry.
JPN Sarawak stressed that the health, safety and wellbeing of students and education personnel remained its priority. — DayakDaily
