KUALA LUMPUR: The wearing of face masks in schools is encouraged but is not mandatory, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Education Minister Senator Dr Radzi Jidin said the ministry was currently in discussion with several parties to provide reusable cloth face masks to students and would make an announcement once there was a decision on it.
Meanwhile, he said the reopening of 213 schools in Kuching, Sarawak, was postponed to Aug 17 following the announced movement restrictions on interzone travel.
They involved 87 schools under the Kuching education office, 99 in Padawan and 27 in Samarahan, he said.
"Meanwhile, classes for pre-school, Forms Five and Six are operating as usual.
"In Kedah, the state government has implemented the Enhanced Control Movement Order (EMCO) for four sub-districts, namely, Ah, Hosba, Binjal and Padang Senai starting from Aug 2.
"Following this, the Kedah state education department, with the consent of the Education Ministry, has decided to close four schools under the Kubang Pasu district education office (PPD) and a school under PPD Padang Terap from Aug 2 to 29," he said in reply to a question by Teo Nie Ching (PH-Kulai), who also suggested that the ministry consider providing reusable masks to students, especially those from families in the B40 income group.
Radzi said decisions to temporarily close schools following Covid-19 cases reported in the respective zones would be made on a case-by-case approach, after seeking advice from professionals including the Health Ministry and National Security Council (NSC).
He said the Education Ministry prioritised the safety of school students, teachers and staff, seeking advice and cooperation from the Health Ministry and NSC prior to schools reopening, as well as during its sessions.