CNA – Amid the sweltering weather in Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday that the government has no immediate plans to declare the heatwave an emergency.
However, the government is prepared to do so if necessary, he reportedly said after chairing a National Disaster Management Committee meeting.
“For now, we don’t think there is a need for an emergency to be declared.
“But if need be, we will issue Directive 20 of the National Security Council for an emergency to be called,” Ahmad Zahid was quoted as saying by The Star.
The directive provides guidelines on managing disasters in Malaysia and covers prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Current weather conditions will last until September and temperatures are expected to reach above 40 degrees Celsius (°C) in August, Ahmad Zahid reportedly said.
As of 4.45pm on Monday, eight districts in Malaysia were issued with “Level 1” heatwave warning, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). This means that the daily maximum temperature in the districts was between 35°C to 37°C for three consecutive days.
Amid the prolonged hot weather, schools in Malaysia have temporarily suspended all outdoor activities, including co-curricular and sports activities, following an announcement by Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying on May 3.
No schools have been closed so far, she said then.
She also said that school administrators are to take precautionary measures and monitor the daily weather conditions.
“According to our guidelines, as long as the temperature exceeds 37°C (over three consecutive days), the state education departments will monitor and close the schools,” Lim said, according to Malay Mail.
The Education Ministry has also allowed students and teachers to wear modest athletic clothing to school.
