PETALING JAYA: It is about time the Education Ministry lifted the temporary ban on outdoor activities in schools, say parents.
Fong Yit Meng said he felt that his children, aged eight and 10, should be allowed to go outside for physical activities given they are at an active growing age.
“The weather has not been too warm lately. I also have confidence in schools and the government as they have been very prompt in implementing rules and lifting them when they see fit.
“This is, of course, after they have assessed the situation thoroughly,” he said.
Another parent, Yuwaraj Kumar Balakrishnan, said awareness was key.
“What is important is to teach the kids how to overcome the heatwave.
“The inconsistent weather condition is something I foresee happening regularly and implementing a blanket ban on outdoor activities at schools will not help.
“Instead, a solution should be introduced for kids to optimise their health properly.
“There are some days where the weather is at the optimal level.
“It’s time for us to allow a bit of leeway for our children to decide for themselves if they like to go outside and play,” he said.
“I am happy that we can go out and play now,” said Zara, Yuwaraj’s eight-year-old daughter.
On May 5, the Education Ministry issued a circular temporarily banning all outdoor activities in both morning and afternoon school sessions to prevent health and safety complications among students, teachers and enforcement officers during the heatwave.
In an update posted on its Facebook page yesterday, the ministry said all educational institutions under its purview that carry out activities outside the classroom must comply with its set guidelines (see infographic).
The new circular and guidelines can be accessed through the ministry’s portal at https://www.moe.gov.my.
