PARENT must stay vigilant over the health of their children, teachers and parents groups said.

They said parents who are worried about their children’s safety can make them wear a mask in school even though the practice is no longer mandatory.

It is the guardians’ responsibility to also ensure children exposed to Covid-19 do not spread the infection in school, they said.

National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon said child safety is the responsibility of the guardians.

“If they are worried about their child’s health, they can make the child wear a mask. This is not about coercion but health awareness,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“Families who were not paying attention caused the virus to spread in school through their children who were exposed and had symptoms. Health safety awareness lies in education at home and self-awareness.”

Over the weekend, Education Minister Radzi Jidin said masks are no longer mandatory but encouraged in school.

“In addition, students who take the school bus are reminded to mask up at all times. Most importantly we must ensure the school environment is safe,” he had said.

Parents Action Group for Education chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said it was time the mask mandate in schools was removed.

“We have attained an endemic stage. Persons with co-morbidities however have to still be extra careful,” she said.

She said parents should remaine alert.

“Parents should make the initial step to ensure their children are well enough to attend school.

“The minister of education has spoken and parents are free to insist that their own children remain masked,” said Noor Azimah.

Last week, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said masks were now optional indoors.

However, he said masks must still be worn in hospitals, on public transport and in nursing homes.

Khairy said premises owners can decide whether or not visitors need to wear masks..