Malaysian schools can suspend classes if temperatures exceed 37°C for three straight days, with outdoor activities also halted under official heatwave guidelines.
IPOH: School administrators have the authority to temporarily close schools if temperatures exceed 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said this measure is part of guidelines established by the Ministry of Education (MOE) since 2023.
He stated the guidelines can be implemented if hot and dry conditions worsen significantly.
“State Education Departments and schools have sufficient experience in managing the current situation,” Wong said.
He acknowledged ensuring student comfort and health during heatwaves remains a challenge for the ministry.
The minister spoke after a working visit to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Gopeng.
Outdoor school activities must also be suspended under specific conditions.
This applies if temperatures range between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days.
Affected activities include cross-country runs, camping, drills and other outdoor events.
MOE has instructed all administrators to monitor daily temperature levels.
This directive applies to principals, headmasters and District Education Offices across the country.
In a separate development, Wong announced a redevelopment project for SJKT Gopeng.
The project, valued at RM14.5 million, will replace dilapidated school buildings.
Construction is expected to begin at the end of this year.
The project will take approximately 22 months to complete.
It involves demolishing existing structures affected by termite infestation.
A new three-storey block will be constructed featuring six classrooms.
The new block will also house administrative offices, a staff room and a sports store.
“The school is 80 years old and its main classroom and administrative blocks have been affected by termite infestation,” Wong explained.
If plans proceed smoothly, the project should finish by the end of 2028.
This timeline would allow students to move into the new building upon completion.
