All primary and secondary schools in the Lubok Antu and Kanowit districts in Sarawak have been temporarily closed due to deteriorating air quality. The Sarawak Education Department announced the immediate closure following the recording of unhealthy air pollutant index (API) levels in both districts.

At 1 p.m. on Monday, readings from the state Natural Resources and Environment Board indicated very unhealthy API levels of 205 in Lubok Antu and 219 in Kanowit. With these elevated levels, authorities deemed it necessary to suspend in-person classes to safeguard students' health.

During the closure, schools will shift to home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) as outlined in the Education Ministry’s circular on managing education during disaster conditions. The department also advised that schools near districts with API levels exceeding 200 may implement similar remote learning measures as a precautionary step.

School leaders have been given the discretion to reopen institutions once air quality improves, specifically after API readings fall below 200. The department emphasized adherence to standard operating procedures designed to protect students’ well-being in areas facing critical haze conditions.

Additionally, schools were urged to follow guidelines related to outdoor activities amid hot weather and to regularly monitor updated API data via the Department of Environment’s online portal.

The temporary closures reflect ongoing concerns about air pollution in the region and its impact on public health, prompting proactive measures to minimize exposure among schoolchildren.