Hundreds of Schools in Sarawak Closed Due to Very Unhealthy Haze

Authorities in Sarawak have closed nearly 600 schools for two days after air pollution levels reached very unhealthy levels. The closure affects 509 primary schools and 82 secondary schools, impacting nearly 200,000 students who will continue their lessons through home based learning. The closures cover several districts, including Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, and Betong.

Air Pollutant Index readings reached critical levels, with Serian recording a peak of 239. Other high readings were noted in Kuching at 190 and Samarahan at 173. Under Malaysia's classification, an API reading between 201 and 300 is considered very unhealthy. Other districts including Sarikei, Sibu, and Bintulu also recorded unhealthy levels.

Reports attribute the haze to wildfires in Kalimantan, with thousands of hotspots recorded between August 1 and 19. Officials warned that continued dry weather increases the risk of transboundary haze as smoke drifts from West Kalimantan into western Sarawak. While one source notes the role of dry weather, another highlights that these fires are often linked to land clearing for agriculture and plantations.

Framing of the event differs by political lean. The center left source focuses on the environmental cause and the immediate health protections for students. The center right source frames the event as a recurring regional problem and includes expert commentary on the limitations of Asean's consensus based approach to tackling the haze.