The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) is pleading for schools to be designated as vaccination centres for students to get their Covid-19 vaccine shots before schools reopen in October.
In a statement today, NUTP’s newly appointed secretary-general, Wang Heng Suan, said this would ease the process of getting students vaccinated in stages, and help identify those who have not received their shots.
“This will also minimise the risk of students getting infected by the coronavirus since they will be visiting vaccination centres dedicated to just students,” Wang said.
He admitted parents were hesitant to send their children to school as the number of cases was relatively high.
Malaysia today registered 20,837 new Covid-19 cases, with Selangor topping the list, with 4,645 cases.
However, he said parents had regained confidence in sending their children to school after the government announced that children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 would be given their shots, starting Sept 15.
“As such, NUTP hopes that students do not visit the other vaccination centres, as such places will put the children at risk of getting infected (with the virus).”
He said NUTP hoped the authorities would prioritise teachers to ensure that they were fully vaccinated.
“NUTP also hopes the government and relevant parties will ensure that the non-academic staff in schools, such as the canteen workers, cleaners and security personnel, are also fully vaccinated before schools reopen on Oct 3.”
Here are Twentytwo13’s news highlights today.
‘SOCIAL EXPERIMENT’ POSTED ON FACEBOOK LANDS COUPLE IN JAIL
Police arrested a woman and her husband after she claimed they were able to dine in at a restaurant despite not receiving two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The couple, aged 35 and 36, were nabbed yesterday by the Klang Selatan police following a Facebook posting that had detailed their trip to the eatery, claiming it was part of a “social experiment” to see if they would be denied service.
In the posting, the woman wrote: “Who said you cannot dine in if you do not have two doses? Even without the two doses, we could safely dine in, this morning. Nothing is impossible.”
In the Facebook posting, the woman had also claimed that she managed to gain entry into several premises, including a convenience store, while her husband had also managed to get a haircut. She claimed the operators did not check their vaccination status.
Klang Selatan police chief Assistant Commissioner Shamsul Amar Ramli said the couple were arrested at their Bandar Putera 2 home at 5pm, following complaints regarding the social media posting.
The couple are being investigated under Section 269 and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for committing negligent acts likely to spread dangerous infections and diseases, and making and publishing a statement with the intent to cause fear or alarm to the public.
KITAKERJA.MY SEEKS MALAYSIANS TO JOIN JOB MATCHING INITIATIVE
Kitakerja.my, a social initiative, is calling for Malaysians to build an ecosystem that matches jobseekers with employers.
“Many are suffering silently, but it should not be this way. Hopefully, employers that are hiring can give our fellow Malaysians a chance in getting employed,” said Kitakerja.my co-founder Mohd Nizam Abdul Rahim.
“With more people being employed, the multiplier effect of increased private consumption will be kickstarted, and ultimately, everyone wins.”
Currently, Kitakerja.my matches jobseekers and employers manually, but it is seeking solutions to automate the process.
“We are inviting tech-based experts, trainers, and Malaysians in general, to become a part of this movement,” he added.
Besides matching B40 jobseekers, Kitakerja.my also has plans to make them more employable through training and development programmes.
CHANGES TO LAW WILL KEEP BUSINESSES COMPETITIVE
Amendments will be made to several legislations to enable businesses to remain competitive.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad said the amendments to the Companies Act 2016, and Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012, among others, would also make Malaysia a preferred destination for doing business.
He said the new policies would widen the scope of the provisions on the corporate rescue mechanisms and improve the existing framework on corporate restructuring and insolvency.
This would ensure Malaysia’s legal framework would be in line with international best practices.
PUBLIC PARKS IN KL OPEN ONLY TO FULLY VACCINATED VISITORS
Kuala Lumpur City Hall said only those who have been fully vaccinated were allowed to visit public parks in the city under its supervision.
Visitors allowed entry would be those who had received their final dose, 14 days prior to their park visit. Children under 17 are allowed in with their parent or guardian but must observe strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
City Hall said park facilities would remain closed, with the exception of the toilets. Operating hours were from 6.30am to 7pm.
GO FORTH AND SHINE, PM TELLS PARA-ATHLETES AHEAD OF TOKYO PARALYMPICS
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob hopes to hear the Negaraku being played many times at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, which started today.
He said with the para-athletes’ strong determination and hard work, there was no reason for them not to shine at the Games.
“The country is counting on you. In Rio 2016 (Paralympic Games), Malaysia bagged three gold medals and one bronze. That means the Negaraku was played three times in Rio,” said Ismail Sabri.
“I wish to see the Malaysian flag hoisted and to hear the Negaraku played as many times as possible in Tokyo,” he added, during a virtual talk with the national Paralympic athletes.
