By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 31: Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, has stated that the education department will strictly adhere to the State Disaster Management Committee’s (SDMC) directives regarding the region’s ongoing heatwave.
Sagah was responding to the media’s question about standard operating procedures (SOPs) for schools during the ongoing heatwave, including when they will be set to close and whether schools can still continue with their curricular activities.
“This one, we are guided by the SDMC decision, which is under the chairmanship of Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“They will issue directives from time to time, as we consider this a disaster situation. We will comply with whatever conditions and terms they set,” he said during the press conference on ‘Addressing Teacher Shortage in Sarawak: New Recruitment Initiatives and Updates’ held today at Sarawak Skills Development Centre here.
On July 27, it was reported that SDMC is set to convene soon to address challenges posed by the ongoing and dry weather conditions affecting the State.
Uggah noted that the meeting will establish directives for divisional and district committees to prepare for these challenges.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) issued a public advisory warning residents about the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures as the hot season approaches.
The advisory emphasised the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, urging citizens to take precautionary measures. — DayakDaily
