PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said any decision on school sessions will be made after a report on the rise of Covid-19 education clusters is obtained by the pro tem committee.

The Education Ministry (MOE) will submit the report to the committee led by Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein chairs the pro tem committee, he added.

“If we were to close schools, parents will worry about the future of their children as online learning is not accessible by everyone.

“MOE has made several changes, and the issue here is the sharp increase in (Covid-19) cases.

“I have asked the ministry to submit a report to the pro tem committee. In terms of the decision, we will wait for the committee.”

For the record, 62 (70%) out of the 89 new coronavirus clusters reported for the period of January 15 to 21 involve learning institutions.

The highest number of education clusters was reported on January 19, when 16 out of the 20 new clusters involve learning institutions.

The Health Ministry said 11 out of the 12 new Covid-19 clusters yesterday are education clusters – two each are reported in Kelantan, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur, while one is reported in Johor. – Bernama, January 22, 2022.