Stick with online learning for now, says Tok Mat

Sending children back to school in the current situation will be a reckless and irresponsible act, says Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The decision to reopen schools nationwide on Sept 1 is a “reckless and irresponsible” act, says Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

While the Covid-19 numbers remain high, with Selangor consistently recording more than 6,000 cases and other states like Kedah, Penang, Johor and Kelantan seeing spikes, he felt it was not advisable to reopen schools now.

Tok Mat, as he is fondly known, said the decision would put the students’ health at risk since they had not been vaccinated. Further, many teachers had not been fully vaccinated as well.

“Allowing our children to return to school under such circumstances is not only risky but is a reckless and irresponsible act,” he said in a statement, adding that the decision would further burden the public healthcare system if infections spread at schools.

Mohamad Hasan.

However, he said the reopening of schools could be considered in states with low infections and high vaccination rates, namely Perlis, Sarawak and Labuan.

“For other states, online learning must be continued for now.

He advised the government to make decisions based on data and the current situation.

“The ‘one size fits all’ approach must be stopped,” he said.- FMT