KUALA LUMPUR – The reopening of schools has been delayed to October 3 instead of the originally scheduled September 1, said Education Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin in a Facebook live announcement tonight.
However, only schools located in states not under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) will be allowed to operate.
The ministry had to delay the opening on advice from the Health Ministry and National Security Council with regard to the nation’s current health and risk assessment.
“And whatever decision is reached is based on the safety of our kids. We also take into account the situation in the respective states and their vaccination rates,” said the senator.
He also said schools will reopen in stages, where priority will be given to students taking public examinations, and that more details will be provided in the near future, with at least a week’s notice before any changes to the new reopening date.
The minister also expressed gratitude over the feedback he had received from various parties that urged the government to vaccinate schoolchildren, especially those aged 12 to 17, before schools are allowed to reopen as originally scheduled on September 1.
The Health Ministry had announced that schoolchildren will be vaccinated from September 15 onwards. – The Vibes, August 15, 2021