By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Sept 9: Students in Padawan area and private schools in Kuching do not have to attend school tomorrow but those sitting for UPSR will take their examination as scheduled.
School authorities and board managements are making the decision based on a memo from the Education Ministry in January this year which states that once Air Pollution Index (API) exceeds 200 mark, schools will be closed.
In the circular dated Jan 15 this year, the Education Ministry instructs that if API reading exceeds 100, all outdoors activities in schools must be stopped.
If the API exceeds 200, all schools in the affected area and district must be closed and if API exceeds 500, teachers and school staff may be absent from schools.
Based on these principles, since API in Kuching has far exceeded 200 mark, all schools in Padawan have received instructions to close but these schools will continue with UPSR examinations.
For private schools in Kuching, those under Lodge Group of Schools and St. Joseph’s Family of Schools have also received circular that schools will be closed on Tuesday but students sitting for UPSR still need to take examinations wearing masks. — DayakDaily
