Kedah Schools to Stay Open Despite Heatwave Warning

Despite a Level One heatwave alert issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in three areas of Kedah, schools in the state will continue with their regular sessions. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek assured that the Ministry of Education (MoE) would closely monitor the situation and provide guidance to teachers and parents to ensure students' well-being.

"We are in constant collaboration with MetMalaysia regarding weather-related issues. I urge parents and teachers to keep a close eye on their children, reminding them to stay hydrated," said Fadhlina.

She emphasized the importance of following guidelines to manage the heatwave effectively. "Insha-Allah, there will be no issues, as we are just four days away from the school holidays," she added.

Fadhlina made these remarks at the Kedah state-level Early Schooling Aid (BAP) cheque presentation ceremony at Sungai Petani Vocational College 2.

MetMalaysia had issued the Level One hot weather warning for Pokok Sena, Pendang, and Baling. This alert is triggered when daily temperatures range between 35°C and 37°C for at least three consecutive days.

Regarding the BAP for Kedah, Fadhlina announced an allocation of over RM45 million for 302,640 schoolchildren in 750 schools. She highlighted other assistance provided by the ministry, including Preschool Food Assistance (BMP) for all MoE preschool children, Supplementary Food Programme (RMT), expansion of the Poor Student Trust Fund (KWAMP), and Federal Small Scholarship (BKP).

"These initiatives reflect the ministry's commitment to addressing multidimensional poverty and eliminating student dropout rates," she concluded.

Fadhlina also urged everyone to stay informed about the weather conditions and take necessary precautions. She advised schools to adjust their schedules if needed and ensure that classrooms are well-ventilated. Parents were encouraged to dress their children in light clothing and provide them with water bottles.

The Ministry of Education has been working closely with health authorities to educate students and teachers about heatwave safety measures. They have also distributed educational materials and conducted workshops to raise awareness about heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them.

Fadhlina emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring students' well-being during the heatwave. She called on local communities to support schools by providing shade, water, and other resources to help students stay cool and hydrated.

In conclusion, while Kedah is facing a heatwave, the Ministry of Education is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The collaboration between the ministry, MetMalaysia, and local communities highlights the importance of collective efforts in addressing challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

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