SOCIAL distancing will no longer be mandatory in schools starting May 1, Education Minister Radzi Jidin said today.

However, he added that the practice was still encouraged if students are not wearing face masks.

He said that masks will only be mandatory indoors.

“The leniency is given to teachers during teaching sessions and sports, kids below the age of five, special needs kids, those with breathing problems, or when alone,” he said during a special press conference today.

Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that wearing masks outdoors will be optional from May 1 but added that it is still highly recommended.

“Using face masks in open areas or outside buildings is optional but highly recommended as they can reduce the spread of infection,” he said.

He said masks remains compulsory indoors and on public transport, including e-hailing vehicles.

Radzi said school visitors will also no longer need to scan using the MySejahtera app, in line with the Ministry of Health’s procedures announced yesterday.

He added that schools will no longer need to conduct Covid-19 testing every week, only when a student is symptomatic, upon which the school will then isolate the student and send him or her home.

Radzi said all sports and extracurricular activities are permitted but pupils, teachers, or coaches presenting symptoms are not allowed to take part.

Students and teachers are now also allowed to use the school canteen, he said.

“Gradual breaks can be implemented if needed,” he said. 

Meanwhile, he said, school uniforms will now be compulsory again once the second semester of school begins on June 12. 

In September last year, the ministry had said that students did not have to wear school uniforms when they attend physical classes.

However, it will now be made mandatory again from June. 

He also said teachers are required to be present on school premises and will need to provide proof of a home surveillance order if they become infected. 

Radzi also said male students will have to cut their hair if they have grown it long, with relaxations on hair length now rescinded. – April 28, 2022.