PUTRAJAYA is still discussing the standard operating procedure (SOP) for nurseries and kindergartens to open, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister said the Health Ministry will draft out the SOP and discuss it with Women and Family Development Ministry. 

“They will produce a detailed SOP to ensure children’s safety.

“Both ministries are currently discussing the SOP,” he said at the ministry’s daily press conference in Putrajaya today.

On April 30, the government was to have outlined the SOP on the reopening of nurseries and kindergartens in the fourth phase of the movement-control order.

Phase 4 of the MCO, imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19, is set to end on May 12.

Ismail said they understood some nurseries needed to open because both parents are working. 

“So, they don’t have any place to send their children. That’s why nurseries and kindergartens have to be opened,” he said. 

Director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said even with the easing of MCO restrictions, it is important for everyone to follow the principles provided by the Health Ministry to prevent any surge in new cases.

He said the ministry would monitor the situation while allowing other sectors and services, such as social and education, to be reopened. – May 9, 2020.