THERE is no urgent need to extend the school holidays due to extreme heat as other measures could be taken to prevent heat stroke, teachers and parents groups said. 

Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said one such measure is to get rid of the ties, blazers and waistcoats that students are made to wear.

This, she said, would allow students to be more comfortable during a heatwave. 

“Some schools are making students wear these extra clothings like jackets and waistcoats that should not be in the list of uniforms at all,” she said.

She also echoed other educators’ calls to limit extracurricular activities for all students. 

“These activities should be postponed or carried out in covered areas with ventilation, such as in buildings.”

Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the cabinet needs to discuss whether there is a need to extend the school holidays following a heatwave that is hitting the country.

He said the National Disaster Management Committee secretariat had already met and implemented coordinated efforts with various related ministries and agencies.

“Currently the country is experiencing heat waves, especially in Kelantan, that resulted in two deaths involving children.

“I think it (school holiday extension) should be discussed at the Cabinet meeting,” he had said. 

Two children, an 11-year-old boy, and a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, were reported to have died due to heatstroke recently. 

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon also agreed that the extension of school holidays is not required because this will affect the number of study days. 

“Except for extreme temperatures, school closures are implemented to avoid exposure to situations that can cause dehydration. 

“It is important that parents advise their children to drink a lot of water and ensure that they bring adequate water from home to school. 

“Schools should also make sure not to implement any programs and activities outside the classroom.”

Fouzi said it is important to ensure that students remain healthy when they come to school and to always monitor their health while they are there. 

“Teachers should also advise students to drink water regularly and make sure the classroom is well ventilated,” added Fouzi.

Educating kids

Malacca Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin said while the heatwave is worrying, closing schools is not the best solution.

“Not only will it disrupt lessons, we are not educating our kids on the measures needed to protect themselves.

“As per advice by medical experts, we need to drink more water and avoid outdoor activities when the sun is at its peak.

“I think we need to educate our children on that.”

He said parents must ensure their kids bring enough water to school and school teachers must ensure there are enough water dispensers for students. 

“Even if we were to close schools, it will not guarantee unpleasant incidents not happening, unless these children are well informed of what to do.  

“Especially when the majority of the parents are working and can’t supervise them all the time.

“Thus, whether in school or otherwise, children need to be well informed of what to do and avoid.” – May 1, 2023.