GOPENG: Schools may advise students to bring their own water bottles during the current hot weather, but there will be no blanket directive making it compulsory nationwide, says the Education Ministry.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said principals and headmasters are best placed to decide what is suitable for their students, taking into account differing conditions.
“For technical matters like this, school heads can provide appropriate guidance based on their respective situations,” he said during a visit to SJK (T) Gopeng on Friday (March 27).
He stressed that staying hydrated is essential at all times.
“Whether during hot weather or not, drinking sufficient water is a basic necessity for everyone,” he said.
His remarks came after the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) urged the ministry to make it compulsory for schoolchildren to bring plastic-free water bottles to cope with the heat.
Its education officer N.V. Subbarow said the move would help ensure students remain hydrated and protected.
On the broader situation, Wong said the ministry remains committed to safeguarding students’ health and comfort amid rising temperatures, noting that hot weather is a recurring annual challenge for schools nationwide.
He added that clear guidelines are already in place to manage school activities during periods of extreme heat.
“Temperatures below 35°C are considered normal.
“If temperatures exceed 35°C and reach up to 37°C for three consecutive days, it is categorised as a warning stage,” he said.
Wong added that if temperatures exceed 37°C for three consecutive days, the Malaysian Meteorological Department may declare a heatwave.
School administrators have been instructed to closely monitor daily temperature readings at both school and district levels.
“At Level 1 heat alert, all outdoor activities involving students and teachers must be stopped.
“This includes sports events, cross-country runs, camping, drills, outdoor games and agricultural activities.
“If conditions worsen, school administrators are empowered to temporarily suspend school operations,” he said.
