MOE assures learning continuity as schools shift to home-based lessons amid heatwave

THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has assured that students’ learning will remain uninterrupted even if schools are required to switch to home-based teaching due to ongoing hot weather conditions.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the implementation of Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) is a well-established measure, having been widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as during previous emergencies such as severe storms in Selangor.

“Schools are prepared for any possibility and the implementation of PdPR will not be a problem,” he said at a press conference after attending a swearing-in ceremony for members of the Taiping Municipal Council.

He stressed that the ministry would ensure teaching and learning continue effectively, whether conducted online or through face-to-face classroom sessions.

Wong explained that decisions to implement PdPR are made based on prevailing local conditions, with state education departments acting in accordance with established guidelines.

“Conditions can change from time to time depending on the weather and we will continue to monitor before making any decision,” he said.

He noted that comprehensive guidelines on managing hot weather have been in place since 2023, with school administrators, district education offices and state departments fully briefed on the appropriate response based on official weather reports and local circumstances.

The ministry, he added, remains firmly focused on safeguarding students’ health and well-being as temperatures rise.

Wong also confirmed that, to date, no cases of heatstroke involving students have been reported.

In Kedah, home-based learning has already been introduced in Kota Setar and Pendang from Sunday through Tuesday after both districts recorded Level Two heatwave conditions for three consecutive days.

A total of 86,030 students are affected, including 65,634 from 154 schools in Kota Setar and 20,396 from 52 schools in Pendang, as authorities take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on school communities. - March 30, 2026