KUCHING: Suspending all activities outside the classroom temporarily due to the persistent hot weather is seen as a sensible directive from the Education Ministry (MoE) acted on the advice of the Health Ministry, said Datuk Jonathan Chai.
The president of the Association of Aided Chinese Primary Schools Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Divisions said this measure is crucial in safeguarding students’ well-being and ensuring they are not exposed to potential health risks associated with the extreme heat.
“As advised by the officials of the Health Ministry, any prolonged exposure to hot weather can be harmful to health especially to those high-risk groups like children and those with chronic illnesses.
“We definitely do not want to put the students at any unnecessary risk to any life-threatening situation,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
His remarks came in response to Health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan’s statement regarding the possibility of declaring a ‘heat wave’ status, which would prompt the MoE to implement appropriate measures, including the closure of educational institutions as outlined in its Guidelines for the Closure of Educational Institutions.
Furthermore, Chai advised parents and teachers to ensure that students maintain adequate hydration levels and remain vigilant for any signs of discomfort during extreme weather conditions.
Similarly, Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) president Zulkiflee Sebli echoed the importance of these measures, especially during the fasting month when hydration is more challenging.
He said while the weather is not excessively hot in Sarawak, precautions must be taken to prevent heat strokes among school students.
Regarding attire flexibility, Zulkiflee noted that the Ministry of Education has previously granted flexibility in dress codes during hot weather, thus it should be overserved and implemented accordingly.
“KGBS advises all school members to adhere to KPM’s recommendation of wearing school sports attire more frequently. The use of uniform school sports attire is also encouraged for easier identification and management by the school authorities,” he said.
Level 1 heat alert refers to a daily maximum temperature of 35 to 37 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days. It is a signal for heightened caution and preparedness.
On Thursday (Mar 21), Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas had issued a warning against current hot and dry weather conditions, noting that northern Sarawak is particularly affected by the current weather conditions.
