KUCHING: The Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) welcomed the announcement by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the closure of schools nationwide.
KGBS president Ahmad Malie said the decision, which was announced by Senior Minister of Education, Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, is rational as it could assist the government in dealing with the spread of Covid-19.
“We believe that the ministry has taken into account various factors comprehensively, especially those that involve students and education fraternity in general, before making the decision.
“We also believe that teaching staff would accept the announcement and be prepared for the situation as how it was done during the first phase of the movement control order (MCO).
“I am confident that with the previous experience, the teaching staff will be able to adapt to online and home-based learning methods more effectively,” he said on Sunday (Nov 8).
Ahmad also urged parents to be more understanding of the situation and would support the school staff in ensuring their children’s education would not be lacking.
“The worsened Covid-19 situation is out of anyone’s control, so I hope with this announcement, there will be no prejudice towards teaching staff throughout the period,” he added.
Dr Mohd Radzi today (Nov 8) announced that all schools nationwide including vocational colleges under the ministry will be closed from tomorrow (Nov 9) until Dec 17 — the last day of school for the year.
“Schools that fall under category B will be closed until Dec 18,” he said.
The 2021 school term will begin on Jan 20 with all primary school pupils as well as Forms One, Four, Five, Six and vocational college students starting face-to-face lessons.
However, Forms Two and Three students will continue with home-based learning and will return to face-to-face lessons on March 8.
