The Sarawak Education Department this morning issued a directive for schools in Kuching, Samarahan, Padawan, Lundu and Bau to be closed following Air Pollutant Index (API) readings that showed very unhealthy air levels.

In a statement issued today, it said the schools were being contacted to inform parents to fetch their children home.

The statement, however, did not state the number of schools affected.

School heads and principals were also asked to ensure the safety of the students when being fetched by their parents, it said.