Home›Global Markets›Asia›Sarawak closes nearly 600 schools as haze hits very un…

Sarawak closes nearly 600 schools as haze hits very unhealthy levels

The shutdown affected about 509 primary and 82 secondary schools, with multiple districts recording readings above 150.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Asia

South China Morning Post reports that Sarawak, Malaysia, shut nearly 600 schools on Friday after air pollution levels in parts of the state reached “very unhealthy” conditions.

The closures affected almost 200,000 pupils, with the Sarawak Education Department saying 509 primary schools and 82 secondary schools were shut.

The report said several districts recorded elevated readings, including Sri Aman, Kuching and Samarahan above 180, Sarikei at 172, and Sibu and Bintulu above 150.

The outlet linked the haze disruptions to Southeast Asia’s recurring dry season pattern, when forest and peatland fires, sometimes tied to land clearing for agriculture and plantations, send smoke across borders.

More like this

Sources