Schools in Sarawak districts shut as haze drives air quality index above 200

All primary and secondary schools operated by the Lubok Antu and Kanowit District Education Offices in Sarawak have been ordered to close due to deteriorating air quality conditions affecting the region. The closure follows the Air Pollutant Index breaching the 200 threshold, a level classified as hazardous to public health. The decision reflects growing concerns over the health impacts of transboundary haze affecting parts of Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region. Such closures are implemented to protect students and staff from prolonged exposure to hazardous air pollutants, which can cause respiratory complications and other health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations including children. Education authorities in the affected districts have indicated that school operations will resume once air quality readings return to safer levels.