KUCHING: Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) is of the opinion that the reopening of schools, especially in the Covid-19 red zones, should be postponed.
Its president Adam Prakash Abdullah suggested learning at home for students in the red zones of Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
“STU also believes that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will issue guidelines based on risk management to the Ministry of Education (MOE) for the opening of schools nationwide and those in the red zones,” he said on Monday (Jan 11).
He said STU would abide by the decision and instructions of the MOE.
“We also call for the cooperation of all teachers and parents in complying with the guidelines when they are released,” he said.
Adam also advised all teachers, particularly in the red zones, to comply with the SOPs such as maintaining personal safety, and to help students in the new norm.
School sessions nationwide are scheduled to resume on Jan 20.
Meanwhile, chairman of the Board of Management Committee for Kuching Chung Hua Middle Schools (CHMS) No.1, 3 and 4, Datuk Richard Wee said the schools would abide by the decision of MOE on the reopening of schools.
“Personally, I think if there is any need to resume, then we should do it in batches.
“This must include strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) as outlined by the authorities,” he said.
During a special address on Monday evening (Jan 11), Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that while strict movement restrictions were in place, especially in the states where the movement control order (MCO) was imposed, an exception would be provided for students and examination candidates, especially those who would be sitting for their 2020 and 2021 SPM examination.
“They will be allowed to attend school with tight SOPs. The Education Ministry will give more details on the SOPs,” he said.
