KUCHING: A total of 1,037 schools in 20 districts affected by the worsening haze situation in Sarawak were ordered to close today.
The state education department said the closure involved 136 secondary schools and 901 primary schools, affecting 325,391 students.
The state disaster management secretariat in a statement said Sri Aman recorded a hazardous air pollutant index (API) reading of 402 as of 8am today.
Four areas in the state also recorded very unhealthy air quality: Kuching (248), Samarahan (218), Sibu (202) and Sarikei (234).
Five other areas recorded moderate API readings: Samalaju (100), ILP Miri (91), SK Baram (87), Kapit (97) and Limbang (76).
An API of between zero and 50 indicates good air quality; 51 and 100, moderate; 101 and 200, unhealthy; 201 and 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above, hazardous.