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591 Schools Closed in Sarawak as Air Quality Deteriorates

The air quality in Sarawak, particularly in Serian, has reached alarming levels, prompting school closures and health concerns.

21 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: 591 Schools Closed in Sarawak as Air Quality Deteriorates — Archive photoPhoto: Rod Waddington · Flickr · BY-SA

A total of 591 schools in Sarawak have been closed due to worsening air quality caused by the haze from forest and land fires in Kalimantan. This action affects approximately 200,000 students, as authorities respond to the increasing health risks posed by high pollution levels.

The Air Pollution Index (API) reading for Serian has reached 'very unhealthy' levels, peaking at 241, according to reports from local monitoring stations. In addition to Serian, eight other districts have also recorded unhealthy air quality levels, prompting concern among residents.

Afternoon checks reported the API in Serian at 227, which remains categorized as 'very unhealthy'. These readings are part of ongoing monitoring efforts as conditions continue to fluctuate due to the transboundary haze that affects several regions in Southeast Asia.

The haze has disrupted daily life in Malaysian Borneo, with the current situation being linked to ongoing land and forest fires, often associated with agricultural practices. The persistent nature of this problem highlights the challenges faced during dry spells, exacerbating air quality issues.

Authorities caution residents, especially those in affected regions, to take health precautions as the situation persists. The closures of schools form part of broader measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students and the community. Updates on air quality are being closely monitored and shared with the public.

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