108 schools in Serian closed as haze worsens

 Students will continue lessons through home-based learning after API readings exceed 200.

The Sarawak disaster management committee said API readings in the state had shown an upward trend since Aug 1. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING:

A total of 108 schools in Serian have been temporarily closed after air pollutant index (API) readings in the area exceeded 200, as a precautionary measure amid the worsening haze.

The Sarawak disaster management committee said home-based teaching and learning would continue throughout the closure to ensure lessons were not disrupted.

“Under the national haze action plan, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak education department director, schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately once the API reaches 200,” it said in a statement.

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous.

The committee said API readings in the state had shown an upward trend since Aug 1.

As of 4pm today, Tebedu and Serian recorded very unhealthy API readings of 212 and 202, respectively.

Eleven areas – Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Lundu, Lubok Antu and Lawas – recorded unhealthy readings.

The committee advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, particularly when air quality readings were at unhealthy levels or higher.

It also urged high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit their exposure to polluted air. - FMT