Culture & Entertainment · Malaysia Bureau
Serian schools shut as haze reaches hazardous levels
All educational institutions in Serian district will remain closed on Thursday following a sharp deterioration in air quality. The Air Pollutant Index in the area soared to 217 late Wednesday, classified as 'very unhealthy' by Malaysian standards.
LSN Malaysia ·
The closure affects all schools across Serian district in Sarawak as authorities respond to worsening air pollution from regional haze. The API reading of 217 recorded at 10pm Wednesday places the district well into the 'very unhealthy' category, which typically ranges from 201 to 300 on the API scale.
Under Malaysia's air quality guidelines, such readings warrant precautionary measures to protect public health, particularly among vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. School closures are a standard protocol when air quality reaches hazardous levels.
The haze situation in Sarawak reflects broader air quality challenges affecting parts of Southeast Asia during certain periods of the year, often attributed to transboundary smoke from regional sources. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors when possible and use appropriate protective equipment when venturing outside.
No immediate timeline has been provided for when schools in Serian may resume normal operations, with decisions likely dependent on subsequent API readings and air quality forecasts.