KUCHING, March 6: The public and parents have the right to know the parameter used in “risk assessment” to deemed it safe to re-open schools in red zones, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
Dr Yii in a press statement today said this includes the data and different considerations used to determine if it is safe to re-open a school, the reason for switching from “Zoning-system” to another assessment, and the additional preparations and safety measures that will be put in place in all those schools to make sure the standard operating procedures (SOPs) is properly followed by all.
“All these details are important to allay any concerns the parents may have of the safety of their children, including the teachers. The parents should be allowed clear information for them to make a proper and informed choice of whether to send their children back to school or not.
“With that, we can build confidence and acceptance among the parents, and they can then make an informed choice for what is best for their children,” he said.
Dr Yii noted when it comes to important policies, the government must be transparent and properly explain to the public the justifications of such a decision not just because of the inconvenience that it may cause, but more importantly because it involves the health, security, and education of the children.
“The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) should also be transparent and explain in detail the different parameters and considerations that are being used by them to justify the sudden decision,” he added.
On Friday (March 5), the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced that a total of 1,045 government and government-aided primary schools throughout Sarawak, except in high-risk Covid-19 areas, are allowed to resume classes in March 8.
This decision was made following meetings with the State Education Department Sarawak, and after carrying out a risk assessment, as well as in compliance with the Guidelines for School Management and Operation in New Normal 2.0 issues by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
On the same note, Dr Yii said he fully understands that the decision to open schools is a tough one as there are many factors to consider especially balancing the need to protect the health of the children, and also to make sure they do not be left out from their studies especially among the poorer students and those living in rural areas.
However, he stressed, what is concerning is that even after one year of being in the pandemic, the MOE doesn’t seem to have a comprehensive plan on how to address this issue and seem to be reactive in their policies which are shown by the constant “flip-flopping” and sudden last-minute decisions leaving parents more concerned and many confused.
“Even if there is a reasonable justification from backtracking from the initial decision by the State that schools in Sarawak Covid-19 red Zones would remain closed until March 14, the government should come out and clarify what exactly was that reasoning for them to arrive at the decision to declare those schools safe for opening on an earlier date,” he added. –DayakDaily.
