Kemas closes 180 preschools, nurseries

KUANTAN: A total of 180 Community Development Department (Kemas) preschools (tabika) and nurseries (taska) have been closed due to the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said as of Friday, the closure involved 105 preschools while the remaining were nurseries throughout the country except for Negri Sembilan and Melaka.

“The move to close the premises was made based on advice and recommendations by the Health Ministry as each case detected will be reported to the authorities.

“These premises will be closed for 10 days and appropriate action, including disinfection, will be carried out by Kemas officials,” he told reporters after attending a get-together and Aidilfitri celebration with Kemas Pahang staff here yesterday.

According to Mahdzir, during the closure period, home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) sessions would be conducted based on the experience gained during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He assured parents that Kemas would monitor this development and take proactive measures to address the spread of the disease on their premises, based on the standard operating procedure set by the Health Ministry.

Mahdzir added that body temperature scanning, as well as inspection for other HFMD symptoms, such as rashes or blisters on the skin, fever and mouth ulcers, would be carried out at the entrance of the premises.

“We hope all parents will assist us in curbing the spread of HFMD by ensuring their children are healthy,” he said, Bernama reported.

“If siblings have symptoms, then parents should not send their children to nurseries or preschools as a preventive measure.”

Kemas has 10,765 preschools and 549 nurseries nationwide.