Serian schools reopen as air quality improves

KUCHING: All primary and secondary schools under the Serian District Education Office (PPD) will resume operations as usual from tomorrow (Sept 14), following an improvement in the air quality.

The State Education Department (JPN Sarawak) said the decision was made based on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded through the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) as of noon today (Sept 13) and reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

However, schools under the Lubok Antu PPD will continue with home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) in accordance with the Ministry of Education Malaysia Circular Letter No. 8 of 2016, Guidelines for the Management of Teaching and Learning Due to Disasters, dated July 21, 2016.

JPN Sarawak said schools under the other 12 PPDs in the state would also resume operations as usual from tomorrow.

The 12 PPDs are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Sri Aman, Kanowit, Julau, Meradong, Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh.

“Any changes or latest information will be announced from time to time,” it said in a statement issued today.

JPN Sarawak said it continued to prioritise the welfare, health and safety of students, particularly when dealing with hot weather or unforeseen weather conditions.

“Parents and guardians are allowed to refrain from sending their children under their care to school if they have concerns about their children’s health due to the haze that is still affecting several locations in Sarawak, provided that they inform the school authorities,” it said.

JPN Sarawak said it remained committed to safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of all members of the education community.

Meanwhile, in a statement earlier, the Education Ministry (MOE), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), will distribute face masks in the near future to students, teachers and school staff at schools identified as severely affected by the haze.

JPN Sarawak also reminded schools to suspend all outdoor activities involving students if API readings exceed 100.

“If the API reading exceeds 200, all schools in the affected area or district must be closed immediately.

“If the API reading exceeds 500, teachers and school staff are not required to report to school,” it said.

JPN Sarawak added that schools could prepare for reopening when API readings showed a downward trend and fell below 200, subject to the prevailing situation.

Temporary school closures could also be implemented based on recommendations from the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) from time to time.

The department advised all district education offices and educational institutions under its supervision to monitor activities that could expose students to hot or hazy conditions and ensure sufficient supplies of clean drinking water.

Students are also advised to wear face masks and drink sufficient water regularly to maintain body temperature.

For boarding schools, drinking water should be supplied to students if the situation became critical and no other sources were available.

JPN Sarawak also urged schools to remain vigilant and cooperate with nearby clinics and hospitals should students experience any complications arising from the haze.