KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has granted special permission for students and teachers to wear proper sports attire in school during the current hot spell.
In a circular sighted by the New Straits Times, the ministry said the decision was made to avoid health complications resulting from the hot weather.
"This special permission does not burden the students and parents because everyone has their own sports attire.
"The ministry prioritises the welfare, health, and safety of students, teachers, and support service members when facing the prolonged hot and dry weather.
"This phenomenon, known as climax viability occurs irregularly.
"The hot weather can cause heatwaves which can lead to several health issues such as hyperthermia, heat stroke, and dehydration," said the statement.
The statement also advised teachers and members of the school administration to remind headmasters and principals to continuously monitor the weather to ensure immediate action can be taken to safeguard the health of students, teachers and staff.
Earlier today, Education Ministry deputy education director (Policy and Curriculum) Dr Ahmad Rafee Che Kassim said the ministry will not impose home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) should any schools apply for closure of sessions due to the hot spell.
However, school sessions can be replaced at another date which will be set by the respective state education directors.
Ahmad Rafee said the ministry had yet to receive any reports of hot weather-related problems from schools following the resumption of classes yesterday.
The ministry, he said, also allows schools to determine if students can wear their sports attire for classes if the situation warrants it.
"Even teachers are granted this allowance," he said.
Last Saturday, the ministry issued a circular following the hot spell experienced by several states.
According to the circular, all outdoor activities must be halted if the temperature exceeds 35 to 37 degrees for three days running.
Schools are also allowed to close if the temperature exceeds 37 degrees for the same period.
Previously, the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) requested the Education Ministry to impose an urgent instruction on all students to carry water bottles to schools to overcome the current heatwave in Malaysia.