The Education Ministry has advised all institutions under its jurisdiction to implement strict precautionary measures against the current hot weather as schools prepare to reopen next week. The directive comes as students conclude their first-term holidays, which were aligned with the Aidilfitri celebrations this year.
In a recent statement, the ministry emphasized that outdoor activities should be postponed if temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius. This measure is intended to protect students from potential health risks associated with extreme heat.
Schools have also been urged to remain vigilant by monitoring students for any signs of heat stress. Ensuring a consistent supply of clean drinking water and encouraging students to stay hydrated throughout the school day are among the top priorities highlighted by the ministry.
Guidelines for boarding schools and attire
For boarding schools, staff are instructed to provide sufficient drinking water if students lack access to alternative sources. Furthermore, school personnel are advised to coordinate closely with nearby clinics and hospitals to ensure a rapid response in the event of any heat-related medical complications.
Given the intensity of the heatwave currently affecting the country, the ministry has also addressed the school dress code. Depending on the specific situation at each school, special permission may be granted for students, teachers, and staff to wear appropriate sports attire instead of regular uniforms.
These measures are deemed crucial to safeguarding the health, safety, and general well-being of the school community during this period of elevated temperatures.
Regional reopening dates and weather alerts
Students in Group A states, which include Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, are scheduled to return to their classrooms this Sunday. Meanwhile, schools in Group B states—comprising Melaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya—will resume lessons next Monday.
The urgency of these guidelines is underscored by the latest data from the Meteorological Department. A Level 1 alert has been issued for 16 areas in Peninsular Malaysia, while a Level 2 heatwave warning is currently in effect for three areas in Kedah.
A Level 1 alert is triggered when maximum daily temperatures between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius persist for at least three consecutive days. The more severe Level 2 warning is issued when temperatures hover between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius for three days in a row.
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