Sarawak State Education Department announced the temporary closure of 647 primary and secondary schools from September 7 to 11 due to unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels caused by haze pollution [1, 2, 3]. The closures include 563 primary schools with 108,477 pupils and 84 secondary schools with 90,082 students, who will switch to Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR) during the suspension [1, 2, 3].

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek urged parents and schools to monitor official updates from the Sarawak State Education Department and prioritise children's health by reducing outdoor activities during the haze. "Take care of your health and reduce outdoor activities during this haze condition. The safety of the children and school community is our priority," she said on September 4 [1, 2].

In response to hazardous pollutant levels threatening public health, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, consented to a proclamation of a state of emergency in Serian, Sarawak [1, 2, 3].

The haze has also impacted Sarawak's tourism sector. State Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah reported a slight drop in tourist arrivals, which he expects to continue until the haze clears. He said, "There’s a little bit of drop in the number of tourist arrivals lately. I foresee this thing will continue on until after the haze is over. If I’m a tourist, if I plan to come to Sarawak at this time or to Kuching, I will change my plan if I am from outside" [4].

Upcoming outdoor events are affected, including the Borderland Music Festival slated for September 11-12 at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Organisers are advised to monitor the API and follow guidance from the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) [4].

Despite the haze, approximately 5,000 people are expected to attend the Malaysia Day celebration on September 16 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). The event will feature government leaders and multiple performances. A Malaysia Day exhibition will take place at Plaza Merdeka, Kuching, from September 10 to 16 [5].