ALOR SETAR: The inter-monsoon has begun to bring relief from the heat and even some rain enabling students here to return to their school setting.
Malaysia is now transitioning into the inter-monsoon period from Sunday (March 29), effectively marking the end of the northeast monsoon phase which began in November last year, bringing light winds from varying directions which can result in the formation of thunderstorm clouds.
While Kedah is still at Level 1 (Caution) recording daily maximum temperatures between 35°C and 37°C, those affected by the heat will now be allowed to go back to physical classes.
Kedah State Education Department (JPN) director Abdul Rahim Mat said the three-day home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) in the districts of Kota Setar and Pendang has ended for now.
"The weather has improved and we have recorded daily temperatures at Level 1.
"We will continue to monitor the weather for the next three days through the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) before deciding if we need to return to PdPR," he told The Star on Tuesday (March 31).
He said the PdPR, which began on Sunday (March 29), ran until Tuesday (March 31) in Kota Setar and Pendang after both districts recorded daily temperatures at Level 2 (Heatwave) of between 37°C and 40°C, for three consecutive days.
"The three days went well but some schools had issues as they did not have proper Internet connection.
"It was unfortunate but there was no choice as the weather was bad and unsafe for the children to attend physical classes," he said.
A total of 86,030 students were involved in the PdPR implementation, comprising 65,634 students from 154 schools in Kota Setar and 20,396 students from 52 schools in Pendang.
The implementation of PdPR was line with the Education Ministry's guidelines for the operation of educational institutions during hot weather.
