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By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
SERIAN: August 12, 2026 – A total of 107 schools in the Serian district, Sarawak, will be closed starting Thursday, 13 August 2026, following Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reaching unhealthy levels due to the haze phenomenon, according to the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS).
The closure involves eight secondary schools and 99 primary schools under the supervision of the Serian District Education Office.
JPNS said the decision was made to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of students and education personnel remain protected amid the hot weather conditions, which have also caused several locations in Sarawak to record unhealthy API readings.
Schools have also been reminded to comply with the standard operating procedures set and to refer to the guidelines of the Ministry of Education Malaysia regarding measures to safeguard the health and safety of students in hazy areas.
JPNS advised all educational institutions to remain alert to the development of the haze phenomenon in their respective areas and to adhere to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
Any changes or latest information regarding school closures will be announced from time to time.
Utusan Malaysia and Bernama reported that the main cause of the haze is forest and peatland fires in the West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan provinces of Indonesia.
According to Pontianakpost, smoke from hotspots in West Kalimantan moved northward and entered Sarawak’s territory, with Serian recording an API reading of 171.
Sources: Sarawak State Education Department, Utusan Malaysia, Bernama, and Pontianakpost
