El Nino: Schools in Kedah, Perlis to close on Tuesday and Wednesday

All schools in Kedah and Perlis will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday because of the hot weather due to the El Nino phenomenon, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

However, he said the closure only applies to students as teachers still need to attend school during those two days.

"El Nino phenomenon - Kedah and Perlis (March 22 - 23, 2016) all schools closed for students only. Teachers still need to attend," he said in a statement on Facebook, Monday.

Mahdzir also said that the students need not replace the two days of closure.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on Saturday said the government is ready to declare a "Heatwave Emergency" if current temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celcius for seven days or more.

The guidelines, which come into force with immediate effect addressed on what needs to be done based on three warning levels.

On Thursday, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan said parents will be told a day earlier if a directive to close schools is issued because of the hot weather.

He said a guideline had been issued to all schools on measures teachers must take in school during the hot and dry weather.