Two schools in Kulim revert to online learning
KULIM: Teaching and learning activities have been carried out via online following the closure of two schools here due to Covid-19.
Kedah education committee chairman Datuk Najmi Ahmad said the pupils and students were now studying via online, just like how it was done during the earlier movement control order (MCO) period.
According to Health Ministry data, three pupils in Padang Meha, three secondary school students in Sungai Karanagan and a 56-yearold teacher in Kulim tested positive from the Tawar cluster.
“We have seen four schools in Kubang Pasu and one school in Padang Terap closed during the Sivagangga cluster outbreak.
“Learning will go on as usual for affected students through online platforms,” said Najmi.
He said the closure order came from the Education Ministry and Health Ministry, adding that the state had no authority to impose restrictions over the matter.
“So far, we find that the standard operating procedure at schools is sufficient to keep the disease in check,” he said.
Kedah had suspended all religious activities at mosques and surau within Covid-19 risk areas.
Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department director Mohd Yusri Md Daud said 55 mosques and several surau affected were from seven districts - Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Kulim, Baling, Yan, Kubang Pasu and Padang Terap.
“Friday prayers at the affected mosques are suspended and replaced with Zohor obligatory prayers at home while religious activities such as lectures, study classes and Yasin reciting ceremonies are not allowed.
“Marriage ceremonies are also not allowed,” he said in a statement.
However, Mohd Yusri said obligatory congregational prayers would be allowed with a maximum number of three people involving the imam, mosque officer or committee member with compliance to the stipulated SOP.
In Penang, state police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan said police started their enforcement rounds with advice and warnings, and had now moved to issuing compounds.
“We are conducting regular operations with local councils and health ministry officials.
“If violations are found, we issue compounds and recommend to the local councils to temporarily shut down the premises,” he said.