Heatwave Prompts Malaysia to Close Schools in Kedah, Perlis

Climatologists and officials in Malaysia have warned that the current heatwave may be as bad as that experienced in 1997-1998.

Kuala Lumpur, 11 Jumadil Akhir 1437/21 March 2016 (MINA ) – All schools in Kedah and Perlis will be closed on Tuesday (March 22) and Wednesday as Malaysia grapples with a worsening heat wave.

A decision would be taken on Wednesday as to whether the schools in the two northern Malaysian states ought to be closed for a longer period of time, said Malaysia’s Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, according to several media outlets.

The Malaysian government is considering other extraordinary measures to deal with the heat wave, including water rationing. Last Friday, the Malaysian Cabinet approved the setting up of a special committee to monitor and execute an action plan to deal with the extreme heat, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) quoted todayonline.com as reporting.

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A heatwave emergency would be declared if temperatures in any area exceed 40°C for seven or more days. Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has warned that the current heatwave may only end in May.

The current heatwave enveloping Malaysia has seen temperatures soaring to as high as 38.5°C in some areas.

Due to the El Nino weather pattern this month, Malaysia expects to see warmer-than-usual weather and reduced rainfall. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)