M'sia schools can close if temperatures exceed 37°C for 3 consecutive days

Schools in Malaysia may be temporarily closed if temperatures rise above 37°C for three consecutive days, under existing education ministry guidelines aimed at protecting students during prolonged hot weather.

Weather-related measure

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the measure has been in place since 2023 and can be activated if current hot and dry conditions become more severe.

Speaking during a working visit to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Gopeng, Wong said state education departments and schools were already familiar with handling such weather-related measures.

“We recognise this remains a challenge for the ministry in ensuring the comfort and health of students,” he said, as reported by The Star.

Outdoor activities halted

He added that outdoor school activities must also be suspended if temperatures remain between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days, according to the Malay Mail.

These activities include cross-country runs, camping sessions, drills and other outdoor programmes.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has instructed principals, headmasters and district education offices to monitor temperature readings daily at both school and district levels so precautionary steps can be taken when necessary.

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