Playing safe in hot weather

AS Malaysia experiences increasingly hot and unpredictable weather, sports activities in schools must be conducted with the safety and health of students in mind.

Conducting vigorous physical activities under extreme heat exposes students to serious health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

First, the Education Ministry must formulate clear national guidelines on heat safety, empowering school administrators to postpone, reschedule or modify sports activities when temperatures exceed safe levels. A heat index alert system similar to weather warnings could guide principals and teachers in making informed decisions.

Second, sports schedules should be redesigned, prioritising early morning or late afternoon for physical activities.

Where possible, indoor facilities, shaded courts and multipurpose halls should be used to ensure that the activities continue without compromising safety.

Water stations, compulsory hydration breaks and awareness programmes on recognising heat-related symptoms should become standard practice. Teachers and coaches must be trained to detect early warning signs before emergencies occur.

Third, students must be encouraged to report discomfort without fear of being labelled weak or uncommitted. A safe school culture values well-being over blind obedience.

Finally, the Education Ministry must view the weather issue through the lens of climate resilience. Schools are not isolated from environmental changes. Policies on sports, co-curricular activities and physical education must be updated in line with emerging climate realities.

Our children should not have to choose between participation and protection. A progressive education system does not merely produce active students; it also produces safe, healthy and well-cared for citizens.

ASSOC PROF DR MUHAMMAD NOOR ABDUL AZIZ

School of Education

Universiti Utara Malaysia