KUCHING (Sept 13): All primary and secondary schools under the Serian District Education Office (PPD) will reopen and operate as usual from tomorrow (Sept 14), following an improvement in air quality, according to the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS).

The department said the decision was made based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded on the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal as of noon today, as well as a report from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

“Meanwhile, schools under the supervision of PPD Lubok Antu will continue with Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR), in accordance with the provisions under Ministry of Education Malaysia Circular Letter No. 8 of 2016 and the Guidelines for the Management of Teaching and Learning in the Event of Disasters dated July 21, 2016,” it said in a statement.

JPNS said any changes or latest information would be updated from time to time.

The department also stressed that the welfare, health and safety of students remained a priority, particularly during hot weather or unexpected weather conditions.

It added that parents or guardians could choose not to send their children to school if they had concerns about their health due to the haze still affecting several locations in Sarawak.

However, they would need to inform the respective school authorities of their decision.