TUMPAT – The Kelantan Education Department’s decision to allow students to attend school in casual clothing is a relief for families affected by the recent floods.

Salmah Md Nooh, 53, said the move allowed her to focus on more important things like cleaning the house as she and her family had just returned home after being evacuated to a temporary relief centre (PPS).

She said the school uniform she bought for her child who is entering Standard One at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pengkalan Kubor 1, was badly damaged by the floods.

“I am so glad with the flexibility given. I don’t have to rush to find the uniforms because we are still in the process of cleaning the houses,” she told Bernama when met at the school today.

Checks by Bernama here found that the majority of students attending the third term of the 2023/2024 academic session wearing sportswear.

 Meanwhile, Haznida Husin, a 37-year-old mother of a Year Two pupil, said that this flexibility also helps prevent embarrassment for students whose uniforms were ruined and stained by the floodwaters or mud.

“Indeed, some clothes were stained by the floods. When the students wear sports attire, they won’t feel so embarrassed to meet their friends,” she said.

 Meanwhile, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Chabang Empat headmaster Rozeman Din said that the initiative by Kelantan’s JPN could enhance student attendance rates.

Rozeman also expressed gratitude that his school had not received any reports of damage to books and school equipment from the students.

Kelantan’s JPN announced yesterday the flexibility for flood-affected students to attend school in casual clothing when schools reopen on Jan 2. This relief has been granted for a period to be determined later. – BERNAMA