KUCHING: Parents can now heave a sigh of relief as they no longer need to worry about sending their children to school amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senior Minister of Education Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin 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 the school year.
“Schools that fall under category B will be closed until Dec 18,” he said on Sunday (Nov 8).
The decision was made by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in view of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases reported nationwide.
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, Form Two and Three students will continue with home-based learning and will return to face-to-face lessons on March 8.
To this, several parents expressed their support for the ministry’s decision.
Nur Azizah Abdullah, 30, housewife
“It is the right time for schools to close because the number of Covid-19 cases in the state has increased drastically. No one is showing symptoms, which makes it deadlier. The best way is to not let our children go to school.”
Awangku Bolkiah Awang Ali, 58, civil servant
“I agree with the decision because the movement of children is hard to monitor. The teachers can control the classrooms but when it comes to break time and by the end of school day, I have no confidence that the children would social distance or wear face masks.”
Nicribia Divid, 36, private worker
“Although I am concerned about my child’s education, I am also worried about his safety. If the schools have decided to close, I have to agree to it. I hope that the teachers would organise online classes so that the pupils would not be left out in their studies.”
Hajijah Abdullah, 49, private worker
“I am glad that the MOE has called for the closure of schools which means that there will be one less high-risk area. The children should remain at home until the curve of Covid-19 is flattened.”
Elisabeth Kasie John, 26, housewife
“It is a timely announcement. Learning sessions should also be continued online, especially for those who will be sitting for their Form Three Assessment (PT3), Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) and Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) examinations.”
