Serian: A total of 108 schools in the Serian area have been temporarily closed following Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeding 200 as a precautionary measure to protect the safety, health, and well-being of students and school staff.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) announced that Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) would continue throughout the closure period to ensure that students' education remains uninterrupted. Under the National Haze Action Plan, which is managed by the Sarawak State Education Department director, educational institutions such as schools, kindergartens, and nurseries must close immediately once the API reaches the threshold of 200.

The API scale categorizes air quality as follows: 0 to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and readings above 300 are considered hazardous. JPBN Sarawak noted that since August 1, there has been an upward trend in API readings across the region. As of 4 pm today, Tebedu recorded an API of 212, and Serian recorded an API of 202, both falling under the 'very unhealthy' category. Additionally, 11 other areas, including Kuching, Samarahan, and Sibu, were in the 'unhealthy' category.

Sarawak JPBN has advised the public to minimize outdoor activities, especially when air quality readings reach unhealthy levels or worse. High-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditions are particularly encouraged to limit exposure to polluted air. Furthermore, Sarawak JPBN has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation about the haze situation and to seek updates only through official government sources.