Haze forces temporary closure of 34 schools in Lundu
by Aileen Yap · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Sept 24): A total of 34 schools under the Lundu District Education Office have been ordered to close temporarily with immediate effect today due to the haze.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said in a statement that the closure involved 31 primary schools and three secondary schools, following the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded as of 8am.
As of 8am, Lundu’s API reading was 223, rising to 224 by 9am.
During the temporary closure, teaching and learning will be conducted through Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR), in accordance with Ministry of Education Circular Letter No. 8 of 2016 on the management of teaching and learning during disasters.
“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 students,” the department said.
JPNS said schools could begin preparations to reopen if API readings showed a downward trend and fell below 200.
It also reminded schools to comply with the prescribed standard operating procedures under Ministry of Education Circular Letter No. 1 of 2019 and to prioritise the health of students and teachers at all times.
The department advised educational institutions under its supervision to monitor API readings in their respective areas through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal and follow recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health.