KUALA LUMPUR – Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau-BN) has assured that all teachers will be administered with at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine before physical classes are slated to resume in September.
Khairy – who is also the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) coordinating minister – said he and Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin will make sure it happens.
“We will make sure all teachers will be vaccinated before school reopens.
“The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) is working closely with the Education Ministry to identify as soon as possible the number of teachers who have not received vaccination appointments. This is so appointments can be given to them.
“There are a number of teachers who have rejected being vaccinated. I urge school administrators to reach out to them so there won’t be an outbreak when school reopens.”
He said to date, a total of 45,197 school teachers or 73.5% have been vaccinated, while 45,197 staffers under Anggota Kumpulan Pelaksana (AKP) or 67% got their jabs.
“A total of 33,633 support staff – including cleaners, security guards, school bus and van drivers, and canteen staff – have been vaccinated.
“80,717 teachers or 90% assigned to SPM and STPM students have been vaccinated.
“A total of 12,894 or 66.8% of private school teachers have also been vaccinated.”
He said during his winding-up speech at the Dewan Rakyat special sitting today.
Previously, the Education Ministry announced that schools will reopen in stages for physical teaching and learning sessions from September 1 after taking into consideration the current vaccination rate in the country.
In a statement, it said further details on physical classes will be announced at least a week before school session starts.
Meanwhile, Khairy said vaccination will not be made compulsory for all Malaysians as all other previous inoculation programmes were voluntary.
“For now, the government has no plans to make vaccinations mandatory because all health programmes in Malaysia and all vaccinations programmes in Malaysia are voluntary.
“And we do not want to reach a stage where people are forced by law to take vaccines.” – The Vibes, July 28, 2021
