Higher education’s high hopes

 

Follow the signs: A vaccination centre staffer telling Nurul Suhana Abdullah (centre) which line to follow. The 19-year-old turned up for her walk-in vaccination at the IDCC PPV in Shah Alam yesterday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The higher education sector is hoping that its reopening will be expedited with the start of walk-in vaccinations for those aged 18 and above.

The National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) said if there were a high proportion of vaccinated students in the higher education sector, there might be a chance for institutions to reopen soon.

“As such, all stakeholders should play their part to encourage those above 18 years old, who have yet to be vaccinated or receive appointments, to walk in for their vaccination.

“We laud the initiative for those who are above 18 to walk in for their vaccination.

“Our members have been encouraging their students to be vaccinated in anticipation that those allowed to return to campus will be those who have received both doses,” said Napei president Elajsolan Mohan.

Malaysians aged 40 and above and locals with comorbidities can get their jabs at any participating vaccination centre until tomorrow.

From yesterday to Aug 22, the walk-in exercise will be expanded to all Malaysians aged above 18 in the Klang Valley.

Foreigners who are also divided into those two categories can get their jabs from Aug 9-11 and Aug 12-22.

Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (Mapcu) said it was important to resume sessions on campuses as soon as possible, especially for students who require physical facilities such as laboratories and workshops to complete the practical requirements for their courses.

President Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh said vaccinating students would play a part in helping flatten the curve.

“If all students and staff are vaccinated, it will ensure a good level of safety for all.

“As soon as this is achieved, Mapcu will make the necessary representations to the Higher Education Ministry to seek approval for the operation of campuses – at least on a staged basis, leading eventually to full operations,” he added.

The National Union of the Teaching Profession, too, said it encouraged everyone, especially the over 400,000 national and private school teachers to take advantage of the walk-in vaccination drive.

Its secretary-general Harry Tan said teachers must lead the way in showing the importance of achieving herd immunity.

“This is especially so to the five million students in national schools and more from the private sector.

“It is our responsibility to keep Malaysia safe,” he added.

Schools are expected to reopen in stages starting Sept 1.

Last month, National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin said all teachers and support staff would receive at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine before face-to-face schooling sessions begin.

He said that as at July 27, a total of 303,682, or 73.5%, of teachers nationwide had received one vaccination shot. - Star