Hot spell: Schools should cancel all outdoor activities, says Deputy Education Minister

ALOR SETAR: School authorities should cancel all activities outside the classroom, including co-curricular activities and annual sports events, in view of the current hot weather for the safety of students and teachers, says Lim Hui Ying.

The Deputy Education Minister said although no schools in the country have been closed due to the current hot spell, precautionary measures have to be taken to avoid any untoward incidents.

"I call on students and the school population to be careful about the hot weather and to drink plenty of water as well as to stop holding outdoor activities," she told a press conference after her visit to SK Taman Rakyat here on Wednesday (May 3).

Lim was on a working visit to SJKC Peng Mi, SJKC Keat Hwa S and SJKT Barathy.

She said state Education Departments (JPN) nationwide would monitor weather conditions in order to implement effective approaches to deal with the issue.

Neckties are also not mandatory for students.

"According to set guidelines, schools will be closed if the temperature exceeds 37°C.

"Schools will apply with the Education Department, who will make a decision (regarding the closure of schools)," she said.

Lim also announced an allocation of RM200,000 each for maintenance costs to SJKC Peng Min and SJKT Barathy, and RM150,000 each to SJKC Keat Hwa S and SK Taman Rakyat. – Bernama