SUHAKAM: Good move to bar teachers refusing vaccine from conducting classes

THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) applauded Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin’s decision to bar teachers who refuse to be vaccinated from conducting classes when school reopens and instead tasking them with other assignments.

Children’s Commissioner Professor Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal also expressed her dismay that a reported 2,500 teachers had refused to be vaccinated without valid health reasons.

“As teachers are civil servants, they are bound by all laws governing civil servants, and stern action must be taken against these teachers as their refusal to be vaccinated may jeopardise the success of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK).

“The Education Ministry (MOE) must prioritise the welfare and safety of children during the pandemic, and it is also in the best interest of children that PICK achieves its target, and for children above 12 years old to be vaccinated.”

Noor Aziah further voiced her concern over MOE’s plan to reopen all schools on Oct 3, 2021 as many teachers and children have yet to be vaccinated.

In addition to allowing students who will be sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) to return to school regardless of the phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in their respective states, she further recommended that:

  • These students must have completed their two doses of vaccine and surpass the 14 days period from the date of their second vaccination. If this is not possible, the Government must postpone the reopening of schools until Oct 15, 2021. For expediency, children could be vaccinated at their own schools’ compounds;
  • All individuals at school including teachers, schools’ staffs, canteen operators, security guards and bus driver must have been fully vaccinated;
  • All parents and family members living in the same house must have been fully vaccinated; and
  • MOE must present to the public the latest standard operating procedures (SOPs) before reopening schools including family SOPs, school round trip SOPs and a detailed school compounds SOPs which are clear and easily understood.

“Other students should continue with home-based learning and teaching (PdPR) until the COVID-19 cases fall to a number that is considered safe for their return to schools for face-to-face classes, while students who refused vaccination must continue their lessons at home,” she added.

“The counsellor from the state and district education departments, schools and the Health Ministry are urged to explain the importance of vaccination to those students and parents, reminding them of the risks of COVID-19 for students who are not fully vaccinated.” – Sept 9, 2021

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