Sarawak extends school closures in Serian, Lubok Antu until haze improves

The Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) has extended the temporary closure of schools in the Serian and Lubok Antu districts until the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings drop below 200.

While schools in these districts remain closed, those under 12 other district education offices will operate as usual.

The JPNS, prioritizing the health and safety of students, will distribute face masks and implement preventive measures in collaboration with relevant agencies as needed.

Parents concerned about their children's health due to the haze can opt to keep them home, provided they inform the respective schools.

KUCHING, Sept 13 — The temporary closure of schools in the Serian and Lubok Antu districts has been extended until the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in both districts fall below 200.

In a statement tonight, the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS) said the decision was made based on continuous monitoring of API readings through the Department of Environment’s official portal, using the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), as well as reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

However, all primary and secondary schools under the supervision of 12 District Education Offices (PPD), namely Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh, will operate as usual from this Monday.

“Any changes regarding school operations or the latest developments will be announced from time to time,” the statement read.

It also stated that the Ministry of Education (MOE), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), would soon distribute face masks to students, teachers and staff at schools identified as being severely affected by the haze.

JPNS said the welfare, health and safety of students remain a top priority, particularly during hot weather or unexpected weather conditions.

The department also reminded schools to take appropriate measures should haze affect their respective areas or districts.

“If the API reading exceeds 100, all outdoor activities involving students must be halted.

“When the API reading exceeds 200, all schools in the affected area or district must close immediately. If the reading exceeds 500, teachers and school staff are not required to report for duty,” it said.

JPNS said schools would reopen once the API reading falls below 200.

Additionally, the department said parents and guardians may keep their children at home if they are concerned about their health due to the haze currently affecting several areas in Sarawak.

However, parents and guardians must inform the respective schools of their decision, it said.

It said temporary school closures could also be implemented based on recommendations from the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS), depending on developments in the situation.

The department also reminded all District Education Offices (PPD) and educational institutions under its purview to implement preventive measures to safeguard students’ health during hot or hazy weather.

“Schools must monitor activities that could expose students to hot or hazy conditions to ensure their health is not compromised, ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water, and encourage students to bring their own drinking water.

“Students are also advised to wear face masks and drink water frequently in appropriate amounts to help regulate body temperature,” it said.

JPNS emphasised that the health, safety and well-being of the entire education community remain its top priority, and advised the public and parents to obtain the latest information on school operations in their respective districts through the department’s official channels. — Bernama

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砂拉越州教育局 (JPNS) 已将西连和鲁博安都地区的学校临时关闭时间延长至空气污染指数 (API) 读数降至 200 以下。

虽然这些地区的学校仍然关闭，但其他 12 个地区教育办公室管辖的学校将照常运作。

JPNS 将学生的健康和安全放在首位，将根据需要与相关机构合作，分发口罩并实施预防措施。

因雾霾影响孩子健康的家长可以选择让孩子待在家中，但需通知相关学校。

古晋，9月13日讯——西连县和鲁博安都县的学校临时关闭期限已延长，直至这两个县的空气污染指数（API）读数降至200以下。

砂拉越州教育局（JPNS）今晚发表声明称，该决定是根据环境部官方门户网站使用马来西亚空气污染指数管理系统（APIMS）持续监测API读数以及马来西亚气象局的报告而做出的。

然而，古晋、Padawan、Bau、Lundu、Samarahan、Simunjan、Sri Aman、Kanowit、Julau、Meradong、Bintulu 和 Tatau/Sebauh 12 个地区教育办公室（PPD）监管下的所有中小学将从周一开始照常上课。

声明中写道：“有关学校运营或最新进展的任何变化都将不时公布。”

声明还指出，教育部将与国家灾害管理机构合作，尽快向受雾霾严重影响的学校的学生、教师和工作人员分发口罩。

JPNS表示，学生的福利、健康和安全仍然是首要任务，尤其是在炎热天气或突发天气状况下。

该部门还提醒各学校，如果雾霾影响到各自的地区或区域，应采取适当措施。

“如果 API 读数超过 100，则必须停止所有涉及学生的户外活动。

“当API读数超过200时，受影响地区或学区的所有学校必须立即关闭。如果读数超过500，教师和学校工作人员无需上班。”声明中写道。

JPNS表示，一旦API读数降至200以下，学校就会重新开放。

此外，该部门表示，如果家长或监护人担心目前影响砂拉越多个地区的雾霾会对孩子的健康造成影响，可以让他们待在家中。

声明指出，家长和监护人必须将他们的决定告知相关学校。

声明称，根据砂拉越州灾害管理委员会 (JPBNS) 的建议，视情况发展而定，也可能实施临时停课措施。

该部门还提醒所有地区教育局（PPD）和其管辖下的教育机构，在炎热或雾霾天气期间采取预防措施，以保障学生的健康。

“学校必须监控可能使学生暴露在高温或雾霾环境中的活动，以确保他们的健康不受损害，确保充足的清洁饮用水供应，并鼓励学生自带饮用水。

“还建议学生佩戴口罩，并经常饮用适量的水，以帮助调节体温。”声明中写道。

教育部强调，保障整个教育界的健康、安全和福祉仍然是其首要任务，并建议公众和家长通过教育部的官方渠道获取各自辖区学校运作的最新信息。——马新社

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