HAZE has forced the closure of 591 schools across 10 districts in Sarawak, affecting nearly 200,000 students, after unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were recorded in several locations.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPN Sarawak) said the temporary closure took immediate effect today and would remain in force until Aug 21, covering educational institutions under the Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu and Betong district education offices.
“Based on the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded as of 3pm, it is hereby informed that the temporary closure of all educational institutions under the supervision of 10 district education offices will take immediate effect from Aug 20 to Aug 21, 2026,” JPN Sarawak said.
The closure involves 509 primary schools with 107,590 pupils and 82 secondary schools with 89,733 students, bringing the total number of affected students to 197,323.
JPN Sarawak said the measure was taken to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of students and education personnel amid the haze and hot weather conditions.
“JPN Sarawak is concerned about the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone in educational institutions and will continue to monitor developments in the current situation,” it said.
Affected educational institutions have been instructed to comply with the prescribed standard operating procedures and refer to Ministry of Education guidelines on managing schools during haze and hot weather conditions.
JPN Sarawak also advised institutions to monitor API readings through the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) and comply with recommendations issued by the Health Ministry from time to time.
The department said any changes or further updates on the closure and reopening of educational institutions would be announced as the situation develops. - August 20, 2026
