Sarawak authorities have ordered the closure of 591 schools across 10 districts as haze conditions worsen, affecting nearly 200,000 students.
Sarawak authorities have ordered a two-day closure of 591 schools across 10 districts as haze conditions worsen in the East Malaysian state. The closure, which took effect on Thursday, affects primary and secondary schools in Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong. A total of 197,323 students are affected, with 107,590 from primary schools and 89,733 from secondary schools.
Home-based teaching and learning will be implemented during the closure to ensure uninterrupted education. The closure marks the second time this month that schools in Sarawak have been ordered to close due to the haze. API levels in Serian reached 239 on Friday, categorised as 'very unhealthy' by the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board.
Why it matters
The closure highlights the immediate health risks posed by worsening haze conditions to a large number of students in Sarawak.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The duration of the school closure and whether haze conditions will improve over the weekend remain unresolved.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.