MOE calls on schools to avoid outdoor activities during hot spell

 

The Education Ministry has once again advised all schools to not organise any activities outside the classroom, such as cross-country runs and sports activities, for the safety of students as the weather is still hot.

Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said they held a session with all state education departments to provide guidance to ensure that schools do not conduct outdoor activities.

“The ministry has advised schools not to organise activities outside the classroom at this time due to the hot weather, but the postponement is temporary and depends on the (prevailing) weather conditions.

“However, there are some states where the weather is improving, so we will monitor from time to time and give guidance and advice accordingly.

“I ask all schools to temporarily postpone (activities outside the classroom) until the weather really returns to normal and students can do outdoor activities safely as we need to take precautions,” she said in her constituency of Nibong Tebal yesterday.

Fadhlina was met at the parliamentary constituency’s Aidilfitri open house at Dewan Dato' Haji Ahmad Salleh in Kampung Permatang Keling.

Education director-general Pkharuddin Ghazali and Penang education director Abdul Rashid Abdul Samad were also present.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek

Fadhlina said this when asked to comment on parental concerns about the health of school children who are at risk of heat stroke if schools conduct outdoor activities during the heatwave.

So far no school has been closed due to the hot weather, she added, but her ministry was taking various approaches and remains on alert for any eventuality.

“The Health Ministry is always vigilant while management related to guidelines and monitoring are strictly carried out by the Health Ministry and the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry to ensure the situation is under control,” she said.

Previously, the Education Ministry issued a statement allowing administrators to close schools if the daily temperature status for hot weather is at warning level 2 with the highest temperature exceeding 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days.

- Bernama