KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 – UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said several proposals submitted by the Malaysian Parents Association (MIMBAR) related to teaching and learning sessions in schools, need to be refined.

Citing media reports, among MIMBAR’s proposals is that all school holidays for this year be abolished to provide an opportunity for students and pupils who drop out to ‘catch up’ learning again where some parents say, this is necessary be carried out at home following the closure of schools.

“On the positive side, I agree with this proposal and it requires effective action by the MOE (Ministry of Education). However, on another angle, we also need to think about the teachers.

“Even though schools were closed before, teachers’ real task will continue through PdPR (Teaching And Learning At Home). If the school term is abolished, they will definitely be worn out.

“If this is implemented, teaching can be done on a scheduled basis with them being given a special allowance for overtime,” said the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk in a post on his Facebook.

In a related development, the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman also strongly agreed with MIMBAR’s proposal to  establish a one-stop health screening center  in schools to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are aware that the schools are back in operation with the presence of many students. We are concerned that large gatherings will spread the virus faster.

“Parents who work in the health sector but are not directly involved as the front line in the hospital, may be able to help. It requires discussion with the PTA and the Parent Support Group (KSIB). With this, the Ministry of Health (MOH) can also help by placing one or two nurses at schools,” he added.