MCA wants govt to reconsider plan to reopen schools next month

 

MCA has called on Putrajaya to reconsider the government's plan to reopen schools in September amid record highs in Covid-19 cases.

MCA education bureau vice-chairperson Kang Meng Fuat described the plan as "impractical".

"I ask that the government reconsider reopening schools in September. Before this, the reopening of schools led to many infections among students and teachers.

"The pandemic situation now is much worse with the more aggressive Delta variant," he said in a statement.

Kang said he will also convey the matter to Deputy Education Minister Mah Hang Soon, who is from MCA.

Kang said the government's plan to conduct mass testing using rapid test kits among teachers and students was not practical.

He asked who will foot the cost and how regular will the tests be conducted on top of procedural challenges.

"The country has recorded more than 10,000 daily Covid-19 cases for 24 consecutive days. More concerning is that the death toll has now exceeded 10,000.

"In such a critical situation, what were the government's considerations that made it think that it will be under control by September and that it will be suitable for physical schooling to resume?" 

Kang noted that the government has yet to vaccinate students aged under 18.

The government had also said it will ensure all teachers receive at least the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine when school reopens, but Kang said that it may not be enough.

He urged the government to continue with the current home-based learning.

Home-based learning has its challenges, with poor attendance and some students struggling as they do not have internet connection or electronic devices. - Mkini