Contradictheory: So, how safe are Malaysia's newly re-opened schools?


Primary schoolchildren lining up while maintaining physical distancing to enter their school compound in George Town on the first day of school on March 1, 2021. - LIM BENG TATT/The Star

So the kids began going back to school on March 1, 2021, whatever the Covid-19 colour of your state or area. Hopefully, parents all over Malaysia are spending extra time teaching children about adhering to the three Ws and avoiding the three Cs. (Quick reminder, that’s “Wash your hands”, “Wear a mask”, “Warn others”, while avoiding “Crowded places”, “Confined spaces”, and “Close conversation”.)

Clearly, the government believes it is safe to send children back to physical classes again even though schools are usually crowded and confined spaces. While parents might be questioning the decision, my take on the issue is: “What are we doing as a community to agree how best to keep people safe?”

Subscribe to The Star Yearly Premium Plan for 30% off

Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.39/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Covid-19 , precautions , schools ,

Next In Living

4 Malaysian bars on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025 list, Penang bar wins best menu
Saving an island from being swallowed by the sea
All you need to know about cat fleas
Thai cuisine is thriving in China
Blind management trainee wins Malaysia's first typing contest for the visually-impaired
Drivers are finding it harder to see out of newer cars, survey finds
Katz Tales: No more bathing the cat, hooray!
Elegant Fine Caviar: Malaysian-owned caviar from a sturgeon farm in China
Vanilla ice cream threatened by climate change
Enjoy an authentic Japanese yakiniku experience at Kyomo, which turns 10 this year

Others Also Read