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Sarawak closes 108 schools as haze levels rise
Worsening haze conditions in Malaysia, driven by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia, have led to the temporary closure of 108 schools in the Serian district of Sarawak. The closures were triggered after the Air Pollutant Index (API) in the area exceeded the 'very unhealthy' threshold of 200. To ensure educational continuity, authorities have implemented home-based teaching and learning for affected students.
Multiple regions across Sarawak, including Kuching, Samarahan, and Sibu, have recorded unhealthy air quality levels. In some areas, such as Serian and Tebedu, readings briefly reached 'very unhealthy' levels before showing slight improvements. In the Malaysian Peninsula, unhealthy air quality has also been detected in areas like Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Shah Alam.
MetMalaysia has advised that the haze situation is unlikely to improve significantly for the next three to five days, as the southwest monsoon contributes to drier conditions. The Malaysian Health Ministry has urged the public to minimize outdoor activities and has committed to strengthening surveillance of haze-related illnesses and enhancing medical facility readiness.
Entities
Indonesia · Malaysia · Malaysia Health Ministry · MetMalaysia · Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability · Sarawak · Serian
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] 108 schools in the Serian district of Sarawak have been closed due to deteriorating air quality. mix929.com · wixx.com · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · www.therakyatpost.com
- [DISPUTED] Eleven areas in Malaysia recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of August 12. dayakdaily.com · www.beritaharian.sg · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · www.therakyatpost.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ministry will strengthen surveillance of haze-related diseases and enhance medical facility readiness. mix929.com · wixx.com
- [DISPUTED] The Air Pollutant Index in Serian reached an unhealthy level of 198. mix929.com · wixx.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] El Nino and the Southwest Monsoon have reduced rainfall, increasing the risk of forest and peatland fires.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Indonesian authorities are using cloud-seeding aircraft to induce rain to contain forest and land fires. mix929.com · wixx.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The haze situation is expected to persist for the next three to five days. www.freemalaysiatoday.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Schools in Serian will implement home-based teaching and learning during closures. www.beritaharian.sg · www.freemalaysiatoday.com · www.therakyatpost.com