MIRI: An estimated 30 per cent of parents in Miri still choose for their children to continue with online learning instead of attending school, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting.
He said he understood the fear and concern of some parents over Covid-19 in not wanting their children to resume classroom learning, adding such decisions were made in the best interest of the children’s safety.
Ting hands a face mask to a pupil during his visit to SK St Columba.
“In my opinion, physically attending school has its own benefit – the children can learn to communicate with their peers and have better understanding by asking questions to their teachers. Such interaction is not something they can learn from online learning.
“However, in view of the pandemic, any decision by the parents is in the best interest of their children’s safety,” said Ting when met after distributing face masks to pupils at SK St Columba, here yesterday.
The Piasau assemblyman said he noticed during earlier visits to schools in Miri that the respective school management were doing their best to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government.
This included setting up makeshift sinks outside classrooms and along the hallway, restricting entry into school premises, and ensuring face masks are worn by students at all times during lessons, he added.
“With the SOP strictly practised at school, I believe they (school management) should be recognised for their hardwork,” said Ting.