Lubok antu: Thirty schools in Lubok Antu, Sarawak, have been ordered to temporarily close after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in the district exceeded 200. Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh announced that the closures, involving 28 primary schools and two secondary schools, were ordered by the Sarawak State Education Department (JPN) and took effect today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Education (MOE) guidelines stipulate that all schools in an affected district or area must close when the API readings exceed 200. Wong stated that the duration of the closures will be determined by school administrators, the JPN, and district education offices (PPD), based on the ongoing API readings. Wong shared this information during a press conference held during an official visit to SK Bandar Putra 2.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching was also present at the press conference. Wong noted that no school closures have been reported in other states so far, but the ministry will provide updates as necessary. He emphasized that schools must immediately suspend all outdoor activities, including sports and events, when API readings exceed 100.

School administrators are also empowered to decide whether to close or reopen schools based on the latest API readings, in consultation with the JPN and PPD.