By: Alexandra Prudente
Editor: Aqilah Humaira Ab Halim
Source: BERNAMA
SANDAKAN, 8 June – Students have differing opinions towards the resumption of school that was announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin during his televised address on Sunday regarding the recovery phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
The recovery MCO was said to be replacing the conditional MCO beginning on 10 June 2020 to 31 August 2020 following a decline in the number of infections. As of yesterday, Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has recorded 19 positive cases and 39 recovered cases, bringing the total up to 6,674 recovered cases which shows a recovery rate of 80.20%.
“During the recovery MCO, nearly all social, religious, educational, business and economic activities will resume in phases, adhering to standard operating procedures (SOP),” said the Prime Minister. He informed the public that schools will reopen in phases during the recovery MCO with the guidance of the MoH.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has released detailed guidelines on their official website regarding the procedures needed to be taken by the school administration, teachers as well as parents and guardians to ensure the health and safety of the students and everyone involved. Nadi Bangi has reached out to a few secondary school students to acquire their opinion on the matter.
Form 3, SMJK Tiong Hua student, Willdeanna Isak said, “I think it’s good to go back to school because it’s easier to learn face-to-face rather than online classes. I heard the government will take actions on how to handle social distancing in schools, so it won’t be a problem. I guess it’s still better to start soon, this virus won’t just go away so we need to learn and live with it.”
Form 5 student, Sam Walter from SM Sung Siew said, “Most of us are still scared to go back since the virus is not really completely gone. But the thought of taking our exams without going back is scarier. I don’t want to return to school, but I have to.”
“Normally when I go to school, I always hug my friends and hang out together but this time will be different because we have to practice social distancing and obey the SOP. And there will not be any school assembly, sports and co-curricular activities. I’m quite sad because I really enjoy going for co-curriculum but we just have to deal with it,” said 16-year-old Bakshveer Kaur, a student from SMK Bukit Mewah.
Students, teachers and other staff members are required to undergo health screenings for cough, fever, sore throat and breathing difficulties every day at the school entrance before class sessions begin. Those with symptoms or body temperatures above 37.5°C will not be allowed to enter the school premises.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to assist by informing their child regarding social distancing between school friends and teachers. They can also participate through the Parent and Teacher Association (PIBG) and Parent Support Group (KSIB) in schools by donating hand sanitizers and body temperature scanners, if capable.
