Limited outdoor activities for Terengganu schools

KUALA TERENGGANU: Schools in Terengganu are prohibited from conducting outdoor activities for students between 12.30pm and 2.30pm due to the El Nino phenomenon.

State Education director Shafruddin Ali Hussin said the move was taken as a precautionary measure although the heat level predicted for this week was still below 35 degrees Celsius.

“Children are always active and from my visits to several schools since the El Nino, I found them still excited, participating in activities held at their schools, although some have to be conducted in classrooms.

“For co curriculum activities which are held every Tuesday afternoon, the schools have been informed to continue to carry out activities in the building to keep students away from direct sunlight and to avoid them from getting heat stroke,” he said.

He said various initiatives were also made by the Parent-Teacher Associations ( PTA) in schools to address the El Nino situation.

“Some PTAs provide free drinks to students and there are also schools which received sponsorship from private companies.

"For schools which do not provide free drinks, they are required to ensure there is always enough water supply, like at the water vending machine and at the canteen,” he added.

The first case of heat stroke in Terengganu was reported last Saturday, involving a policeman who collapsed during a parade to commemorate the 209th Police Day celebration.

The policeman, however, regained consciousness while on the way to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital ( HSNZ). – Bernama