Kuching: Some 591 schools in Sarawak have been temporarily closed from today until tomorrow due to prolonged hot and dry weather conditions affecting several areas in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) in a statement said the closure involved 509 primary schools with 107,590 pupils and 82 secondary schools involving 89,733 students under 10 District Education Offices (PPDs). The affected PPDs are Kuching, Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Serian, Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, and Betong.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) stated it was closely monitoring weather conditions, air quality, hotspots, risks of forest and peat fires, as well as the state's water supply situation. It noted that the prolonged hot and dry weather could increase the risk of forest, peatland, and open area fires while putting pressure on water resources.

JPBNS emphasized that it will continue to strengthen monitoring, preparedness, as well as prevention and mitigation measures, particularly in high-risk areas. As of 2 pm today, 18 locations were being monitored, with Kuching (191), Samarahan (175), Serian (195), Sri Aman (178), Sarikei (154), Sibu (108), Lundu (180), Tebedu (169), and Lubok Antu (191) recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.