KUALA LUMPUR – The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has urged the Education Ministry to delay the reopening of schools starting next month, citing safety concerns.
In a statement today, secretary-general Tan Huat Hock pointed to the rise in Covid-19 infections in Malaysia.
The Health Ministry this afternoon reported 20,780 new cases.
“NUTP has received feedback from parents, who are dissatisfied with the Education Ministry’s decision to reopen schools and resume physical classes from September 1,” said Tan.
“We think it is unwise to reopen schools when cases are on the rise.”
The union also pointed out that there are only 10 more weeks of schooling left to the year.
Tan said parents are reluctant to send their children to school given the high virus tally.
Even though more than 30% of the population has been fully vaccinated, this does not guarantee public safety, he said, adding that the virus death toll is now between 100 and 300 a day.
“We urge the ministry to give special consideration to the safety and health of students and educators.”
He said NUTP hopes the ministry will instead help smoothen the process for home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) by providing students with internet that is fast and cheap, or for free for those from B40 families.
“Educators should also be given special internet packages and receive training to increase their skills and knowledge to conduct PdPR classes.” – The Vibes, August 11, 2021
