KUCHING, Oct 25 — Twenty-seven schools in the Tebedu district of Serian will be closed tomorrow due to haze, following continuous monitoring of Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

The Sarawak State Education Department (JPN) said the Oct 26 closure would involve one secondary school and 26 primary schools under its supervision.

“During the closure, Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will be implemented, while teachers and Support Staff Group (AKP) will bellowed to work from home (WFH),” the JPN said in a statement today.

It added that the closure decision would also apply to all primary and secondary schools in districts recording API readings above 200 after the statement was issued.

However, face-to-face classes for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates would continue, subject to the wearing of face masks in accordance with examination management guidelines during disasters and haze.

The Sarawak JPN said that for schools near districts with API readings exceeding 200, headmasters and principals could consider implementing PdPR by taking into account students’ health and safety.

It also said that preparations to reopen schools could be made if the API readings showed a downward trend to below 200.

All educational institutions under the department’s supervision are also reminded to monitor API readings through the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, and comply with advice from the Ministry of Health to protect the health of students and members of the education community.

Meanwhile, parents and guardians would be allowed to keep their children at home if they are concerned about the impact of the haze on their health, provided they inform the school.

Sarawak JPN also stressed that the health, safety and well-being of everyone in the education community remained its top priority. — Bernama