KUCHING: As the API reading in Kuching passed the 200 mark yesterday, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) woman chief Kho Teck Wan hoped there would be no change to the UPSR (Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah or Primary School Achievement Test) examination schedule in Sarawak even if the haze condition persisted or worsened.
Primary Six pupils are sitting for the exam on Sept 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12.
“Although the UPSR candidates will be advised to put on face masks, the readings of 200 and above are classified as very unhealthy,” she said.
According to the standard operating procedures provided by the Education Ministry, schools in haze affected areas should be closed immediately should the API readings exceed 200, she added.
Said Kho, “I therefore would like to raise my concern over the announcement made by the Education Ministry to continue the UPSR exam should the API readings worsen.
“I do understand the tremendous potential cost and efforts that the ministry may incur should the national exam be rescheduled. However, extra precautionary efforts should be made and shouldn’t be limited to providing face masks.
“Who should be responsible for the possible severe health problem or even loss of life should it happen during the exam due to the very unhealthy level of air pollution?”
Kho asked whether the masks distributed to Sarawak schools were respirators that would protect the wearers from harmful dust.
“Anak Sarawak are as precious as any child in Malaysia and I sincerely urge the Ministry of Education to plan rigorously should the UPSR exam be carried out when the API reading exceeds 200.
“I hope the ministry will make its decisions based on their number one priority of protecting the schoolchildren’s safety,” she said.
