The department’s director, Roslan Hussin, said the students must inform school authorities before taking part in any indoor or outdoor activities, especially those involving physical activities, Bernama reported.

He also urged parents and guardians to inform the school about the health status of their children to avoid any untoward incidents.

Roslan said the department had taken all precautions before any activities were carried out, including ensuring that all equipment were in working order and weather conditions were conducive.

“We fully complied with the guidelines set by the education ministry,” he said.

He said this in response to the death of a student, Nuqman Naufal Shamsul Fadzli, from Sekolah Menengah Sains Tuanku Jaafar in Gentam, Kuala Pilah.

The student, who had a congenital heart defect, died after collapsing 50m from the finish line during a cross-country run at 9.30am yesterday.

Kuala Pilah deputy police chief Syahrul Anuar Abdul Wahab said that according to the student’s father, the boy had been diagnosed with the heart condition in 2016 and was on medication after being treated at the National Heart Institute.

Meanwhile, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said both parents and teachers need to be aware of students’ health conditions before they undertake any outdoor activities, including cross-country races, in view of the hot weather.

He said this was important to prevent children or students from any potential risks, especially during their involvement in extracurricular activities.

“This serves as a stern reminder. Children should not be exposed to risks beyond their capabilities. The health ministry consistently advises on measures to prevent children from facing dehydration risks.

“Parents must be honest (about their child’s health conditions) and schools should avoid exposing children to risky situations.

“It is crucial that this matter be given due attention,” he told reporters after attending the Johor Amanah Aidilfitri celebration in Kampung Parit Keroma, Muar, today.