The reopening of schools ran smoothly today in full compliance with the recovery movement control order (RMCO) standard operating procedures (SOP) and in line with the new normal in the teaching and learning (PdP) process.
After almost three months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2,440 secondary schools across the country finally reopen their doors to enable 500,444 students who are sitting for their 2020 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) examinations and equivalent examinations to get back on track and catch up on their studies.
Bernama check on a number of schools nationwide found that as early as 7 am many teachers wearing face masks and even face shield have been waiting outside the school gate, armed with infrared thermometer guns, to check students’ body temperature before allowing them in.
At the same time, incoming students were also seen wearing face masks and observing social distancing.
In SELANGOR, most corridors at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Gombak Setia were found to have been marked with stickers to ensure social distancing both for the students and the teachers.
Recess time for the fifth formers and the upper sixth formers was also divided into three sessions to avoid congestion at the canteen.
A fifth former of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seksyen 7 in Shah Alam, Suraya Aishah Badrul Hisham, shared her excitement for being able to return to school and “reunite” with her friends and teachers despite having to cope with the new normal.
“When the government announced that school will reopen today, I was so happy. I made sure that my uniform, shoes and bag are all ready since last week. I’m so excited to reunite with my friends and teachers even though there were procedures to comply with. It is definitely not as boring as studying alone at home,” she said.
The girl also described the reopening of school as the best chance for her to prepare herself to sit for her SPM examination.
“At home, we only study online...it’s kind of difficult to ask for clarification and to really understand what the teacher was saying without being there, face to face. So yes, I’m very happy to be able to return to school,” she said.
In PUTRAJAYA, teachers at SMK Putrajaya Presint 8 (1), were clearly seen carrying out body temperature checks on students even before they got out of their parent's car to ensure only healthy ones were allowed to enter the school premises, while those who are symptomatic were told to go home.
Students coming by bus were required to walk about 50 metres from the bus stop to the foyer for the temperature screening and if their temperature were slightly above 37.5 Celcius, they were quickly taken to an isolation room until their parents or guardian came to take them home.
In PERAK, Usamah Ariffin Abdillah, a fifth former in SMK Anderson, Ipoh, whose right leg was amputated due to a motorcycle accident early this year, came to school today as he believed that face-to-face PdP process is way better than online.
“Throughout the movement control order (MCO) period, I had to sue my mom’s mobile phone to follow the online class, but it was difficult, especially when the Internet access was not so good,” he said.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu was spotted visiting Sekolah Perempuan Methodist and Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Sam Tet in Ipoh this morning to ensure SOP compliance at the two schools.
In KELANTAN, the State Police had assigned 200 school liaison officers to help ensuring SOP compliance at secondary schools in the state.
Kelantan Deputy Chief of Police SAC Abdullah Mohamad Piah said a traffic policeman was also stationed outside each school to prevent a mass gathering of students.
“At SMK Ismail Petra, all the 177 students who came to the school today wore the face masks, and have their attendance recorded and body temperature checked. Social distancing was well observed in all classrooms, while during recess, the students had their food delivered to them and didn’t have to go to the canteen,” he said after visiting the school.
pIn PENANG, State Education director Abdul Rashid Abdul Samad who checked the situation at SMK Raja Tun Uda, Bayan Lepas, said that each school in the state has its own monitoring team led by a law enforcement officer to ensure SOP compliance.
At the SMK Raja Uda alone, six body temperature check counters were set up by the school administrators facilitate the process for the students, while 20 classrooms were opened to accommodate 245 fifth formers, with each classroom has only 18 students.
During recess, only one class representative was allowed to take food from the canteen for distribution in classroom.
In MELAKA, Chief Minister Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali checked the situation at SMK Ayer Keroh, after which he expressed hope that the reopening of the school would give a morale booster to the students in their preparation to sit for their examinations.
A total of 13,640 students will sit for this year’s SPM, SVM, STPM and STAM examinations in Melaka.
In JOHOR, Bernama check at SMK Seri Perling, which has 337 Form Five students, found that the movement of the students was well under control in full compliance with the SOP.
Despite each and every one of them was compelled to wear a face mask, the happy sound of their voices and laughter was more than enough to prove that they were absolutely ecstatic to be back at school.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jun 24 2020
After almost three months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2,440 secondary schools across the country finally reopen their doors. - Photo Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.