No school in Bintulu District on disaster leave, but some choose to hold classes at halls

BINTULU (Jan 13): No school here is placed on disaster leave, with the first day of the 2026 session proceeding smoothly.

It is informed that the school administrations have implemented the necessary safety measures to ensure continuity of lessons and the well-being of the children and staff, amidst concerns about the weather conditions affecting the neighbouring districts.

As a precautionary measure, SK Kampung Nyalau conducted activities on the first day of school on Monday at Kampung Nyalau Ulu hall, while SK Sungai Silas held classes at SK Ulu Segan halls.

It is understood that these temporary arrangements are made in view of these schools’ proximity to flood-affected areas.

In conjunction with school reopening, all schools in this district simultaneously launched the ‘Anti-Bullying and Sexual Misconduct’ campaign, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

The initiative aims to raise awareness among students of the dangers of bullying and sexual misconduct, while strengthening preventive efforts and reporting mechanisms at the school level.

Meanwhile, the Tatau/Sebauh District Education Office (PPD) said 19 schools under its jurisdiction were forced to suspend operations yesterday due to the ongoing floods, which not only inundated the school compounds, but also disrupted the access roads.

The office, in a statement, said an assessment conducted on Jan 11 found floodwaters were still affecting several school premises, with many routes remaining impassable – raising safety concerns for both students and staff.

The affected schools are SJKC Chung Hua Tatau, SJKC Chung San, SK Bukit Mawang, SK Hermanus Assan, SK Kuala Binyo, SK Kuala Kebulu, SK Kuala Muput, SK Kuala Sigu, SK Labang, SK Nanga Penyariai, SK Nanga Tau, SK Pandan, SK Rumah Tayai, SK Sebauh, SK Sungai Bukit Balai, SK Sungai Gena’an, SK Sungai Sebungan, SK Sungai Sengian and SK Sungai Bagian.

“The closures were attributed to flooded school grounds and access roads cut off by rising water levels, making it unsafe to conduct classes,” said PPD Tatau/Sebauh.

Consequently, PPD Tatau/Sebauh District Education Office is temporarily closed, effective from Jan 12.

“The closure will remain until further notice as flood conditions continue to disrupt operations.

“All matters involving student’s transfers and other education-related administrative affairs under the jurisdiction of the PPD Tatau/Sebauh will be deferred, with the new dates to be announced later,” it added.