Mercy Malaysia installs handwash kiosks at 32 schools to raise Covid-19 awareness

Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus (in yellow batik shirt) with Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim at Mercy's handwashing kiosk at SMK Tasek Damai.

IPOH: A total of 32 out of 100 schools have been selected to be part of the handwash kiosk programme by Mercy Malaysia.

Its president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said the programme was in line with the government's aim to let schools reopen in stages.

"This is an initiative taken by our side to support the government's effort to stop the Covid-19 pandemic as well as raising awareness among students about cleanliness.

"The schools taking part are in Perak, Terengganu, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang and Selangor," he said after attending the launching of the handwash kiosk at SMK Tasek Damai here on Tuesday (Aug 18).

Also present at the event was Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.

On July 1, Education Minister Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said schools in Malaysia would reopen in stages.

Faizal said the schools chosen for the first phase were determined by certain criteria.

"We have been working closely with the education department and schools selected.

"These schools are chosen based on the number of Covid-19 cases recorded within the area as well as the number of students in the school," he said, adding that more schools would be chosen depending on the funding.

"The purpose of this handwash kiosk is to provide a cleaner and comfortable experience for students to continue their school activities.

"These kiosks cost between RM6,000 to RM7,000 per unit.

"Each kiosk is equipped with a washing sink, water pipe and soap dispensers. The kiosks will be placed at common areas to be used by the students," he said.