THE Health Ministry’s proposal to reintroduce mandatory usage of masks in all schools is a well-lauded action amid concern over the spread of a new Covid-19 variant, said the National Parent-Teacher Association.

Its president Mohamad Ali Hasan, however, said both the Health (MOH) and Education (MOE) ministries should initiate the reintroduction of mandatory masking in schools by sponsoring a starter-kit for every student.

“For a start, perhaps it would be a nice gesture by the Health and Education Ministries to provide one box of free masks each for all students nationwide.

“This will show that the government is concerned about the well-being of its people, in line with the Madani concept,” Ali told The Malaysian Insight.

Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the ministry was considering reintroducing the usage of masks in schools.

Zaliha said she would meet Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek soon to discuss the new guidelines and operating procedures for pupils to be issued prior to the reopening of schools on May 2.

With rising concern involving the new Covid-19 variant XBBB1.16 or better known as Arcturus, Ali said the suggestion by the Health Ministry was appropriate, for the time being.

“Caring for health is a priority. With regards to the present situation, taking into consideration the possible seriousness of the disease, there could be an increase in cases.

“We need to take precautionary and preventive measures to ensure we do not contribute to additional admissions in hospitals. Necessary preparation is needed,” he said.

Besides masking up, Ali said schools also should adhere to other preventive measures and follow standard operating procedures (SOP).

“Schools must take the best measures for students to make sure they are taken care of. It should be preventative rather than remedial measures,” he said.

Having students and teachers tested every week to ensure they are free from the virus is also encouraged, he added.

Ali said it would be great if the government could subsidise test kits as well.

“Students should follow stringent SOPs when in school. Periodic testing is a must.

“The question is whether schools will make available these test kits.

“Asking students to test is a good move but it would be better if the schools could provide them with self test kits. Probably make it free for students.

“The cost could be absorbed by the Education or Health Ministries” he said.

Yesterday, Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said it was more important to wash or sanitise hands than to wear masks in schools.  

He also said that as an added preventive measure, schools should get their teachers and students to do a self-test the day before attending lessons.

Burden for parents?

Malaysia scrapped its stringent rule of wearing masks indoors last September.

The use of masks was only to be compulsory in hospitals, medical institutions and public transportation such as buses, trains, planes, taxis and e-hailing vehicles.

The use of masks in schools also was dropped, be it indoor or outdoor.

Now with the proposal to reintroduce it, Ali said such measures must not be a burden to parents.

He urged the Domestic Trading and Cost of Living Ministry to ensure that the prices of masks are not hiked due to the proposed move.

“The Health Ministry, Education Ministry and the Consumer Ministry need to ensure that the price of masks are under control,” he said.

Ali said parents should not see mandatory masking in school as a burden but as a preventive measure.

“It is a preventive measure which costs far less than remedial measures that may be taken later,” he added.

Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim also concurred, saying parents would not want to put their children at risk.

“MOH is the best authority to advise the public and school children as it has data to support its proposal along with past experiences.

“Where children’s health is concerned, parents will surely not want to take any risks regardless of the costs.

“Lessons have been learnt during the pandemic, in managing it, and now should it bite back, we shall be prepared,” she said.

The MOH has detected six new cases of the new XBB1.16 variant in the Klang Valley, which brings the total number of infections to 12 so far.

Four of these new cases were detected in Selangor, while two cases were from Kuala Lumpur. Six earlier cases were detected in Sarawak.

People infected with Arcturus, a sub variant of Omicron, were found to only experience mild symptoms and were reported to be in stable condition. – April 28, 2023.