KUCHING, Aug 20 — The Sarawak Education Department has ordered schools in the Kuching, Padawan, Serian, and Samarahan districts under its supervision to close with immediate effect on August 20-21, due to the haze affecting air quality in these areas.

According to an announcement on the department’s official Facebook page, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to safeguard the safety, health, and wellbeing of students and school communities, particularly from exposure to unhealthy air.

“During the closure period, teaching and learning at home (PdPR) will be implemented to ensure continuity of students’ learning,” the statement read.

The department said any further developments regarding the closure period and reopening of schools would be announced through its official channels and the respective district education offices.

As of 12 noon today, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Daily Haze Watch recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in Serian (191), Kuching (188), and Samarahan (171). — The Borneo Post