KUCHING, Aug 12 — Six schools in the Tebedu district have been ordered to temporarily close after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading there exceeded 200 amid worsening haze conditions.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said the precautionary measure was taken in line with the Education Ministry’s (MOE) guidelines, with the safety, health and wellbeing of students and school staff given priority.
As of 10.30am today, the schools involved are SK Sejijag, with 51 students and 14 staff; SK Sungai Sameran (129 students, 21 staff); SK Tepoi (42 students, 15 staff); SK Entubuh (67 students, 18 staff); SK Temong (205 students, 21 staff); and SK Tema (85 students, 15 staff).
According to JPNS, these schools are under the administration of the Serian District Education Office (Serian PPD).
JPNS also reminded principals and headmasters that they do not need to wait for specific instructions from the PPD or JPNS to close schools when the API reading in their respective areas or districts exceeds 200.
“Under MOE Circular No. 1 of 2019 on measures to safeguard the health and safety of students in schools located in areas considered critical due to haze, all schools in areas or districts where the API exceeds 200 must be closed immediately.
“Principals and headmasters must act promptly based on the current API readings in their respective areas and do not need to wait for closure instructions from the PPD or JPNS.
“At the same time, schools must inform the PPD and JPNS of the closure immediately for coordination, monitoring and record-keeping,” the department said.
JPNS said home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) would continue online during the temporary closure to ensure students’ learning was not disrupted.
The department added that schools have also been instructed to maintain communication with parents and guardians while giving due attention to the health and welfare of students throughout the closure.
Regarding the situation in Serian, whereby haze has also worsened, JPNS said the department through PPD Serian will continue monitoring API readings and air quality by obtaining updates from the authorities and relevant agencies.
Schools have also been reminded to closely monitor API readings in their respective areas and take appropriate action in accordance with MOE guidelines.
The department said the decision on the reopening of schools will take into account the latest API readings, prevailing conditions and directives or guidelines in force.
JPNS stressed that the safety and wellbeing of students and all education personnel remained its priority, adding that prompt and appropriate action based on established guidelines was necessary to minimise exposure to health risks caused by haze.
“Parents and guardians are urged to ensure their children remain safe and follow official updates issued by the schools, PPD Serian and JPNS.
“They are also advised not to rely on unofficial information or wait for additional instructions once a school had announced its closure based on an API reading exceeding 200,” added JPNS. — The Borneo Post
