KUCHING, Aug. 11 -- Six schools in the Tebedu district have been ordered to temporarily close after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading there exceeded 200 amid worsening haze conditions.

The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said the precautionary measure was taken in line with the Education Ministry's (MOE) guidelines, with the safety, health and wellbeing of students and school staff given priority.

As of 10.30am today, the schools involved are SK Sejijag, with 51 students and 14 staff; SK Sungai Sameran (129 students, 21 staff); SK Tepoi (42 students, 15 staff); SK Entubuh (67 students, 18 staff); SK Temong (205 students, 21 staff); and SK Tema (85 students, 15 staff).

According to JPNS, these schools are under the administratio...