Worsening Haze Forces School Closures in Lubok Antu and Kanowit

KUCHING, Sept 21 – All primary and secondary schools under the Lubok Antu and Kanowit District Education Offices have been temporarily closed due to deteriorating haze conditions. The Sarawak State Education Department confirmed that the decision was taken following Air Pollutant Index readings recorded across both areas as of 9:00 AM.

To ensure uninterrupted learning during the physical shutdown, home-based teaching and learning sessions will be activated immediately.

“As such, the home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) session will be implemented,” the department stated regarding the interim educational measures.

The Sarawak State Education Department further advised school administrators operating in districts where air quality measurements cross the threshold of 200 to assess similar remote learning setups to safeguard student health. Headmasters and principals retain the authority to evaluate environmental conditions and determine whether moving to virtual classes is necessary.

“If the API readings show a downward trend (readings below 200), then they can take steps to prepare for the reopening of schools,” the department added, clarifying that in-person classes will resume once air quality stabilizes below critical pollution benchmarks.

–NMT