Parents, teachers, welcome extended school closure

CORONAVIRUS | Two groups representing parents and teachers have welcomed Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement that schools will likely to remain closed for the near future.

The National Parents and Teachers Association (PIBGN) and the Malaysian Muslim Teachers Network (iGuru) said their concerns on the re-opening of schools were based on the current situation surrounding Covid-19 infections in Malaysia.

PIBGN president Mohamad Ali Hassan said the postponement is based on several matters that could risk the safety of teachers, students and parents.

"With the statistics of positive Covid-19 cases still on the rise and the attitude of certain quarters who refuse to give full cooperation on the enforcement of the movement control order, this causes concern for teachers to go to school.

"Aside from that, the return of Malaysians from abroad and the increasing number of red zones is also causing unrest among parents," he told Malaysiakini.

Mohamad Ali proposed that the Education Ministry set-up a group of e-learning experts to facilitate more efficient implementation of teaching and learning from home.

"The ministry can also distribute a study schedule as a guide during the MCO period to all teachers and parents," he explained.

Meanwhile, iGuru president Azizee Hassan, also welcomed the move, said that there are various options for e-learning including via Google Meet or Microsoft Team.

"For parents with problems of limited Internet access, we suggest utilising the TV Pendidikan channel on RTM to keep up with lessons," he said when contacted.

Noting that not all families are privileged and could afford the needed devices, Azizee urged telecommunication companies to come forward as sponsors for selected students, particularly from underprivileged families.

"The government should also improve the quality of access to Internet in areas where the network is still slow to facilitate the teaching and learning process," he said.

Muhyiddin yesterday announced that the movement control order will be extended into a third phase from April 14 to April 28.

The current school term started on March 22, four days after the MCO was first enforced.

According to the annual school year schedule, classes are supposed to be ongoing for nine weeks until May 22 before breaking for Hari Raya holidays and the mid-term. - Mkini