Ensure health of students amid heatwave, king tells ministry

2026-03-26 - 06:30

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim urged the fire and rescue department to prepare for the possibility of more fires due to the hot weather. (Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has ordered the education ministry to ensure the well-being of students amid the ongoing hot spell. “His Majesty ordered the ministry to pay serious attention to this matter, to ensure that the health of students is unaffected by the hot weather, which is expected to persist until early or mid-June,” Istana Negara said in a statement. Sultan Ibrahim also advised the public to take precautionary measures by reducing outdoor activities and drinking sufficient water. He likewise urged the fire and rescue department to prepare for the possibility of more fires due to the weather. “At the same time, His Majesty advises the public to avoid open burning as the hot weather and strong winds can cause fires to spread quickly. “Senior citizens and children with chronic diseases are advised to avoid being out in the sun to prevent medical complications,” said the palace. Several states including Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak, and Pahang are experiencing high temperatures, with some areas reaching daily highs of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days. The meteorological department said the current bout of hot weather is expected to last until June with temperatures projected to peak between mid-March and mid-April. The health ministry has urged the public to plan outdoor activities carefully to avoid heat-related illnesses.