PETALING JAYA, Jan 14 — The Education Ministry is not suspending physical education or outdoor activities for students in spite of the rising temperature.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Khair Mohamad Yusof, said there was no need for such a measure unless advised by the National Disaster Management Agency. 

“If the temperature rises to a dangerous level, such bans on outdoor activities can become necessary,” he told Malay Mail yesterday. 

In a circular, he reminded school authorities that extreme heat would affect the health of their charges. 

He suggested five precautionary steps that the school authorities should take, including encouraging students to drink more water regardless of their level of activity. 

Urging school authorities to monitor their students closely, he also wanted them to supervise the preparation and sale of drinks to ensure adequate supply.

“The prices of drinks in canteens should be monitored to ensure they are in accordance with the terms that have been set out in line with what the students can afford,” he said. 

Khair also wanted the involvement of parents and the local community as well as government agencies to help mitigate the dry weather. 

“Any cases related to the weather should be referred to the nearest clinics,” he said.