Penang’s 398 schools implement heatwave measures, including flexible uniforms, hydration stations, and adjusted outdoor activities to ensure student safety.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang State Education Department has enhanced preparedness across all 398 schools in the state to face the ongoing heatwave.
State Education director Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad said engagement sessions were held with headmasters and district offices to ensure preparations were in place before schools reopened.
Schools have informed parents about schedule adjustments and student needs during the hot weather, including granting autonomy for more comfortable clothing.
“Parents have also been informed about this preparation to give confidence that the school will ensure that the three main things, namely the health, welfare and safety of students, are always taken care of,” he said.
He noted that on the first day of school, students arrived wearing T-shirts and carrying water supplies and mini fans.
Schools also took the initiative to provide additional water supplies in canteens.
Mohamad Dziauddin said the department is also focusing on school infrastructure, particularly fans, windows, and ventilation systems.
The Infrastructure and Procurement Sector has been instructed to review and repair any facility issues immediately.
Outdoor activities like sports can continue with adjustments, such as being held in covered areas or early in the morning.
Although Penang is not at an alert level, monitoring is continuous and in close contact with the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
There is currently no need to implement home-based teaching and learning, with face-to-face sessions continuing.
Schools are also encouraged to perform the Istisqa’ sunnah prayer to pray for rain.