TEACHERS and students may wear athletic wear in school as the heatwave continues. 

Education deputy director-general of school operations Dr Norisah Suhaili said this was decided to protect the health of teachers, students, and school administrators.

She said the prevailing scorching weather could cause hyperthermia, heatstroke, and dehydration.

“The Education Ministry agrees to give special permission for teachers and students to use modest athletic clothing during the hot weather.

“This move will not burden students or their parents, given students have their own sports clothing for physical education,” Norisah said in a statement today.

Where a school uniform is required, a tie is not necessary, she added.

Norisah advised headmasters to monitor weather conditions for a swift response to changes that could affect the wellbeing of their staff and students.

The Health Department has warned that prolonged exposure to hot weather without water could be detrimental to children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.

On Monday, the Meteorological Department issued a level-one heatwave alert for Padang Terap in Kedah and Jempol in Negri Sembilan. The yellow alert is issued for areas which have marked temperatures between 35-37C for three consecutive days.

The rest of the country is recording recorded daily maximum temperatures of under 35C. – May 3, 2023.