The school sessions would be postponed if the hot and dry weather reached an extreme level.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said his ministry was conducting a two-day monitoring from today for states which are experiencing high temperatures such as those in the north, where the temperature reached 39 degree Celsius today.

If the heat persists, schools in the affected states could postpone its schooling sessions.

"We will monitor the weather in these next couple of days. The temperature reached 39.2 degree Celsius in Kedah and Perlis yesterday, however we will continue to observe until tomorrow before we make a decision. We have a special committee to advise us on the next course of action.

"I wonder though, if the schools are to close, would the pupils remain at home or would they be out sightseeing?" he told reporters after an event on special education here today.

Malaysia has been experiencing extraordinary hot weather and reduced rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon.

Previously, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan had reportedly said parents would be notified a day earlier if a directive to close schools is issued.

READ: Hot weather: No extended holidays for schoolgoers

READ: Proposal on setting up of special committee on hot weather to be brought before Cabinet