KUCHING: Standard operating procedure (SOP) dictates that all schools must be closed should the Air Pollutant Index (API) reach a reading of 200 (unhealthy).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said principals or headmasters had the authority to close the schools in this matter.
Uggah, who is also the State Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the closure of schools was one of the matters discussed during its meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
“According to SOP, the affected schools should be closed within 24 hours.
“Therefore, after the principals or headmasters have discussed with the District Education officer, they can decide whether to close the respective schools,” he told reporters.
On the current hot and dry weather, Uggah said: “In today’s meeting, we have received reports from the Meteorological Department, Department of Environment, Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak, Rural Water Supply Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Health Department, including Social Welfare Department.”
He added that water shortage in several areas in the state was also discussed.
“The Meteorological Department said there are several forest fires and water shortage.”
Uggah said the committee involving other agencies and department will coordinate to address the problems effectively.
“As of today, the number of hotspots in Sarawak is 26. There is one in Samarahan, Sarikei (one), Sibu (eight), Mukah (four), Kapit (one), Bintulu (four) and Miri (seven).”
He said NREB also reported from January till August, there had been 180 fire cases, including agriculture fire, bush fire, small plantations, wastes, construction, and others.
One case was reported in January, February (two), March (55), April (55), May (six), June (one), July (26), and August (34).
“The most critical problem during this dry season is water supply. Among the areas affected are in Sri Aman, Lundu, Asajaya, Simunjan, Sebangan, Balai Ringin, Pantu, Seduku, Penibong, Kuala Balingian, Selangau, Suai Miri and Telok Melano.”
Uggah urged the public to stop open burning, adding: “For those facing water shortage, please inform the resident officer immediately.”
He also urged the public to report to authorities of any fire.
Uggah thanked firefighters for their efforts in putting out fires, and the Maritime Enforcement Agency for conducting water bombing operations.
“With the fast and effective cooperation from all, agencies and departments involved, we are able to minimise the effects of the problem.”
Also present at the meeting were Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
