Nearly 40,000 students in Bintulu face school closures due to haze

Schools across two districts in Bintulu, Sarawak, have been ordered to close for five consecutive days beginning September 7 due to deteriorating air quality from regional haze. The closure impacts a significant student population, with approximately 22,476 primary school pupils and 17,268 secondary school students affected by the suspension of classes through September 11.

The decision to close educational institutions reflects growing concerns over air pollution levels in the region, which have reached levels deemed unsafe for prolonged outdoor and indoor school activities. Authorities determined that keeping schools open during this period would pose health risks to students and staff.

The haze situation in Bintulu is part of a broader seasonal phenomenon that periodically affects Malaysia and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. School closures during episodes of hazardous air quality have become a standard precautionary measure adopted by state education departments to safeguard student welfare.

Parents and guardians in the affected districts have been advised to keep children indoors and to minimise outdoor activities during the closure period. Authorities are expected to monitor air quality levels and determine whether additional closures may be necessary beyond September 11.