Provide Information, Awareness To Students On Weather Changes In Papar - Parents

PAPAR, March 14 (Bernama) -- Parents in the Papar district suggest that schools provide information and awareness to students regarding the weather changes in the area and Sabah to ensure that students do not engage in activities that may have negative effects on them.

Civil servant Ziela Abu Bakar, 48, said that the information is important so that students, especially those in primary schools, truly understood the environmental conditions in the area, following the declaration of Papar as a drought disaster area starting yesterday.

"As parents, of course we tell the children about the hot weather, but schools also need to provide exposure or campaigns about weather changes because the children are exposed to hot temperatures at this time," she told Bernama today.

He also hoped that all parents cooperated closely with schools in ensuring the comfort and safety of their children during the current drought.

Yesterday the Papar District Disaster Management Committee in a statement declared the district, located about 38 km from Kota Kinabalu, as a drought disaster area following the water supply crisis due to the hot weather.

Bernama today reported Sabah Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin as saying schooling sessions in 62 schools here were operating as usual despite the declaration.

Dr Mohd Ruzaini Mohd Ridhwan, who works at a private clinic in Kimanis, said that students and local residents could also be given exposure on how to deal with hot and hazy weather, such as always wearing face masks.

"Do not stay outside for too long, drink plenty of water, and always maintain personal hygiene are practices that students need to adopt. I believe schools can provide exposure on this matter with the help of parents," he said.

Private sector employee Rafizah Dahali, 39, also said that her children's schooling sessions were still on as usual, and hoped that schools would reduce any outdoor activities at this time.

She said that although he was worried that the hot weather would affect her two children aged 13 and eight, she believed teachers knew how to manage the students at school.

"Perhaps some relaxation in terms of clothing can be considered during the drought period for the comfort of students, for example, wearing sports attire and reducing the weight in school bags," she said.

Another private sector worker Sumari Serman, 40, said so far his children were still going to school as usual, especially since it's the first week of the new school term, and schools are not conducting any outdoor activities this week.

"The school is not conducting extracurricular activities for the time being, so as parents, so as parents, we feel a bit relieved," he said.

-- BERNAMA