New environment: A tearful Year One pupil being comforted as his classmates wait to enter the classroom on their first day of school at SK Sultan Ismail 1 in Kota Baru. — Bernama
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Education Department has advised all schools in the state to ensure that students take precautionary measures during the monsoon transition period next month to avoid health complications.
Its deputy director of the planning and management sector, Mat Lazim Mohamad, encouraged students to wear face masks and drink sufficient water during school sessions.
“Kelantan is expected to experience hot weather when the monsoon transition occurs, so we encourage schools to take early steps to address this issue.
“This is because the hot weather will expose students to dust, which may affect their health, causing conditions like fever, flu and cough,” he told reporters after inspecting the first day of the school session at SK Sultan Ismail 1 here yesterday, Bernama reported.
He said outdoor activities should also be reduced by focusing more on classroom activities and wearing the appropriate clothing whenever necessary.
Previously, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said hot and dry weather is expected to affect most areas, especially in the northern peninsula, including Perak, Pahang and Kelantan, from this month until May.
He said the country is in the final phase of the northeast monsoon, which is expected to end by mid-March, during which cloud cover and rainfall will decrease.
Meanwhile, Mat Lazim said 22 schools that were affected by last year’s floods were able to operate as usual on the first day of the new school session yesterday.
“For schools in flood-affected areas, early preparations were made by providing sufficient learning equipment.
“We express our highest appreciation to all parties, including NGOs, who have helped ensure the smooth running of the school sessions,” he said.
“We have also been informed that there are still groups willing to donate learning materials to the schools and students.”
