Following the deaths of two children from heatstroke in Kelantan, Malaysia’s education ministry ordered to issue of a circular allowing school closures in the event temperatures reach over 37°C for three consecutive days.
In addition, a heatwave is declared by the Malaysian Meteorological Department, as reported by the New Straits Times(NST).
Due to the weather conditions at several locations across the country, there is a need to issue the circular.
The average temperature throughout most of Malaysia has been forecasted to be at about 35°C from late April to early May. Also, some areas of the country have already reported temperatures above 36°C.
School closures in a two-tier warning system
Malaysian’s education ministry also indicated that they would allow schools to close when the heatwave reaches a second level of a two-tier warning system, NST reported.
The first warning level must indicate temperatures range from 35°C to 37°C for three consecutive days, and schools can suspend all outdoor activities for students and teachers, including camping, marching, outdoor sports and games, as well as agricultural activities.
If the schools decided to close for certain days, the institution’s administrator should immediately communicate their decision to the Education Ministry’s registrar.
Heatstroke deaths of two children in Kelantan
As reported by Bernama, two kids died from heatstroke in the Malaysian state of Kelantan, an 11-year-old boy and a 19-month-old girl last April.
The state’s health ministry has since urged people to limit outdoor activities because of the hot weather.
Following the deaths of the kids, Sabah’s state government said the discussion about extending the school holidays in light of the heat may be needed.
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, has also urged Malaysia’s Cabinet to discuss whether there is a need to extend the school holidays.
In April 2016, Malaysia previously closed some 259 schools within the states of Perlis and Pahang, when temperatures exceeded 37°C over a period of three days.
The education ministry during the time said the move was necessary to protect the health of the over 100,000 preschool, primary, and secondary pupils.