More schools were ordered to close on today and tomorrow following unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, bringing the total number of schools ordered to close to 83.

All the schools are in Beaufort, Papar, and Kuala Penyu districts.

Sabah Education director Maimunah Suhaibul said the announcement affects a total of 22,782 students from 53 schools in Beaufort, Papar (16) and Kuala Penyu (14) districts.

She said other schools affected by haze can decide to close by giving earlier notice to the district and the state education department.

Yesterday, a total of 77 schools in Papar, Beaufort and Kuala Penyu districts were ordered to be closed today due to unhealthy API readings.

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

The schools were ordered to close after taking into consideration the API reading which has exceeded the unhealthy level.

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.

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