KUCHING: Schools in Kuching, Serian and Samarahan districts are reported to have registered poor student attendance despite strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines set by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the schools.
Many parents are not sending their children to school despite the Education Department’s announcement that classes for non-exam students would resume, which took place last Monday.
New Sarawak Tribune talked to some members of the public to find out why some parents still refused to send their children to school.
Noor Shizarin Isnin, 45, designer
I believe many parents are fearful for their children’s safety. I think some parents are also worried about the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in school and wonder whether the students can follow them or not.
Dayang Emillia, 33, banker
Some parents fear of another Covid-19 outbreak so they are in no rush to send their children back to school. They are also observing the implementation of the SOPs in school.
Rameni Arepitri, 39, relationship manager
Parents are scared of Covid-19 and know that children are most vulnerable to it. They also fear that children do not understand the importance of complying with the SOPs like social distancing and frequent washing of hands with sanitisers and soap.’
Jameson Wong, 50, salesman
Parents do not want to send their children to school because they fear they will not follow the SOPs set by the school. Social distancing is a big concern for some parents, especially when there are many students and the classrooms might not be big enough for social distancing.
Sophia Madian, 51, banker
I think some parents do not want to send their children to school because they fear that their children have weak antibodies and can contract the virus easily. The parents also worry that their children may not follow the SOPs in school.’
Mamoriah Aman, 48, travel agent
I guess parents are scared of another Covid-19 cluster. Previously, when everyone thought it was safe, the cases suddenly increased. With many students, parents also worry the children cannot maintain their social distance from each other.
