KUCHING: Schools in Sarawak will abide by any directives from the state disaster management committee with regard to the current hot and dry weather, says state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah.

"We are guided by the committee's decision on this. They will issue directives from time-to-time, so we stand guided by them," he told reporters on Wednesday (July 31).

Sagah said this when asked what the standard operating procedures were for schools during a heat wave, including whether they would be closed or directed to cease outdoor activities.

The state disaster management committee is expected to meet soon to discuss the hot and dry situation in Sarawak.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who chairs the committee, said last Saturday (July 27) that the meeting would decide on preparations to face the situation at divisional and district level.

On Tuesday (July 30), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a Level 1 hot weather alert for seven areas in Sarawak, comprising Telang Usan, Marudi, Sibu, Kapit, Kuching, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu.

A Level 1 alert is issued when temperatures at a location reach between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days.

However, MetMalaysia later issued an updated weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain in several parts of Sarawak until 7pm on Tuesday (July 30).

The bad weather alert was for Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Pakan, Julau and Subis.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/31/s039wak-schools-to-follow-state-disaster-committee039s-directives-on-heatwave