KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will issue at least 14 days’ notice for schools to reopen in states transitioning phases under the National Recovery Plan (NRP) so as to allow them to prepare.
Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Mohd Jidin said the ministry will issue a statement and inform the schools of the dates for reopening.
“For example, if Negri Sembilan is in Phase 3 but the government announces it will transition to Phase 4 within two days, schools would not be opened immediately.
“We will give a period of 14 days before the reopening of schools from the announcement,” he said during TV3’s Soal Rakyat on the school reopening aired live tonight.
In areas placed under travel bubbles such as Langkawi, Radzi said schools will be opened based on guidelines similar to states in Phase 4 of the NRP.
“Langkawi is unique because the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has recognised it as a travel bubble area despite Kedah being a state under Phase 1 of the NRP.
“So, for this area, we will follow the Phase 4 schools operation guidelines, because in this phase all sectors are allowed to operate. We will inform parents in said areas of the reopening of schools.
“We have discussed with the National Security Council and Health Ministry what is the best step to implement for areas recognised under the travel bubble and agreed to follow similar guidelines for Phase 4 of the NRP,” he said.
Radzi also stressed the reopening of schools by stages starting Oct 3 is to ensure students familiarised themselves again with the national education system.
He said it has been a long time since students were able to attend classes physically and it has caused them to fall behind.
“In the current context, we want to open the schools in a safe manner. We have viewed all factors and safety measures to ensure the school ecosystem is fully vaccinated including the teachers; administrators, support staff and others.
“If we open schools next year, it means they have fallen behind the school system for a long time. Some students have even thought of working to help their parents.
“The ministry has the responsibility of taking care of more than five million students and it is a duty which must be done with utmost sincerity,” he said.
Source: New Straits Times
