KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has urged parents and school communities to follow the official channels of the Sarawak State Education Department (JPN) for updates and the latest announcements regarding the haze situation in the state.
Through a Facebook post tonight, she said that the health and safety of children must be prioritised, and Sarawak JPN will continue to monitor the situation from time to time.
"Take care of your health and reduce outdoor activities during this haze condition. The safety of the children and school community is our priority," she said.
Earlier, Sarawak JPN announced in a statement that 647 primary and secondary schools in Sarawak will be temporarily closed for five days starting this Monday due to the haze, which has caused the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in several areas of the state to reach unhealthy levels.
The closure from September 7 to 11 involves 563 primary schools with 108,477 pupils and 84 secondary schools involving 90,082 students, with the implementation of Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR).
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has consented to the proclamation of a state of emergency throughout Serian, Sarawak, following the haze condition reaching pollution levels that endanger public health and safety.
-- BERNAMA