77 schools in Papar, Beaufort, Kuala Penyu to close tomorrow due to unhealthy API

A total of 77 schools in three districts - Papar, Beaufort and Kuala Penyu have been ordered to be closed tomorrow due to unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

Sabah state education deputy director Maimunah Suhaibul in statement on Sunday said the decision was made after taking into consideration the API reading which has exceeded the unhealthy level.

She said the department is still monitoring the order to close schools on a day to day basis depending on the readings.

The school closure in Beaufort involves 53 schools; Papar, 10 schools; and Kuala Penyu , 14 schools involving 9,365 secondary students and 11,648 primary students.

Meanwhile, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Director, Nordin Pauzi said the haze were caused heavy smoke due to open fires.