The Muar MP urged education minister Fadhlina Sidek to reconsider her decision not to put off the school year despite the floods.

Yesterday, Fadhlina had said students could attend classes online if their schools were affected by the floods and not repaired on time.

In a Facebook post, Syed Saddiq said students and teachers in affected areas would not be ready for the new school session, adding that they would be busy cleaning up their homes once the floodwaters recede.

He added that due to the floods, some might have lost the devices needed to conduct or attend online learning.

“Thirdly, students and teachers would be physically and mentally tired from going through the floods. Some might have loved ones who are still missing or who perished in the disaster.

“Have some pity on them. Give them room to process this situation.”

The former youth and sports minister suggested that the ministry allow the respective schools to determine when to reopen, noting that some areas were harder hit by the floods than others.

Syed Saddiq also proposed giving additional classes for those who were not ready to attend school, expressing concern that they might be left behind by their peers.

“Lastly, give teachers the opportunity to apply for leave to manage their homes if they’re affected by the floods. Then they wouldn’t be stressed about having to handle too many things at a time.

“They need time. Help them, don’t rush them.”

In Johor, the number of flood victims has dropped to 39,620 in nine districts as of 8am, from 40,129 yesterday.

The school session for the 2023/2024 academic calendar will start on March 19 for Group A states (Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Johor), while March 20 is for Group B states (Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya).