KUCHING, Sept 21 — All primary and secondary schools under the Lubok Antu and Kanowit District Education Offices (PPD) have been ordered to close temporarily with immediate effect due to worsening haze.

The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said the decision was made based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded in the two areas as of 9am today.

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s API Status for Sarawak, Kanowit and Lubok Antu had recorded ‘very unhealthy’ API readings of 212 and 207 as of 10am.

“Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will be implemented during the closure in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s Circular Letter No. 8 of 2016 on the management of teaching and learning during disasters,” the department said in a statement.

It also said that for schools located near districts recording API readings above 200, headmasters and principals may consider implementing PdPR, taking into account the health and safety of pupils.

“Should the API trend show an improvement, with readings falling below 200, headmasters and principals may take action to prepare for the reopening of schools.”

JPNS reminded schools to comply with existing standard operating procedures and guidelines under the Ministry of Education Circular Letter No. 1 of 2019 concerning the health and safety of pupils in schools located in areas affected by critical haze.

It also advised all educational institutions under its purview to comply with guidelines on outdoor activities during hot weather and monitor API readings through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal.

Education institutions were also urged to follow recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health from time to time to safeguard the health of pupils and education personnel. — The Borneo Post