The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) announced the temporary closure of 63 schools in Bintulu Division, covering the Bintulu and Tatau/Sebauh districts, from September 7 to 11, 2026. This includes 54 primary schools and 9 secondary schools, affecting 22,476 primary and 17,268 secondary students [1, 2].
The closure followed a recorded Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 206 at 8 pm on September 5, 2026, which classifies air quality as "very unhealthy". Continuous monitoring showed dangerously high haze levels in the area, prompting the decision to protect students and staff health [1, 3]. However, one source noted the API spike occurred on September 4, indicating some discrepancy on exact timing [2].
During the closure, Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) will be implemented for all affected schools to ensure continuity of education despite the environmental hazard [1, 3, 2].
The haze issue is part of a larger problem across the state of Sarawak. A total of 617 primary schools and 93 secondary schools across 14 district education offices have been temporarily closed, impacting 130,953 primary and 107,350 secondary students statewide. These closures are due to cross-border haze affecting air quality across the region [1, 3, 2].
Authorities have urged schools and educational institutions to monitor API levels using Malaysia's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) and to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines designed to safeguard the health of students and staff during such hazardous air conditions [1, 3, 2].
The closures in Bintulu Division are set to last until September 11, after which the situation will be reassessed based on air quality updates.
