The Sarawak disaster management committee said home-based teaching and learning would continue throughout the closure to ensure lessons were not disrupted.

“Under the national haze action plan, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak education department director, schools, kindergartens and nurseries will be closed immediately once the API reaches 200,” it said in a statement.

An API reading of 0 to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 moderate, 101 to 200 unhealthy, 201 to 300 very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous.

The committee said API readings in the state had shown an upward trend since Aug 1.

Eleven areas – Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Samalaju, Miri, Lundu, Lubok Antu and Lawas – recorded unhealthy readings.

The committee advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, particularly when air quality readings were at unhealthy levels or higher.

It also urged high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit their exposure to polluted air.