The schools which were closed due to the extreme hot weather, should conduct extra classes to ensure students finish their syllabus, said Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan.

He said the schools, which had been informed on the matter, should use available space to conduct these classes.

"A few schools have started the virtual learning environment process, which is a home learning tool, using latest the technologies.

"So far, the school closures (due to extreme hot weather) has not affected overall learning," he told reporters after attending a Tamil New Year open house at Asrama 1Malaysia here, today.

The El Nino phenomenon which has been sweeping the country since January, caused several schools, in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Pahang, which recorded temperature readings of over 37 degrees Celsius over 72 hours, to be temporary closed.

Commenting on the proposal by Senator Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah in the Dewan Negara that classrooms should be equipped with air-conditioners, Kamalanathan said it depends on the financial situation of the ministry, and if there was adequate funds, it will be implemented.


READ: El Nino: Senator suggests air-conditioner for schools

However, he noted most of the schools have air-conditioners today, contributed by the parents or Parent-Teacher Associations.