PENAMPANG: The Education Ministry today proceeded with its decision to allow the reopening of schools for Year 1 to 4.
The move however came amidst rising cases of Covid-19 in the country which had caused worry among parents.
A mother, Jane Edwin said for now, she would observed how schools were managing the students with the new standard operating procedures.
"I am not in a rush to send my children to school as the priority is their safety.
"As a parent, I opt not to send my children for the first few weeks to monitor the process and to give time for schools to adapt the new system," said the mother of three children, aged five, seven and eight.
Today, pupils from Year 1 to 4 throughout the country resumed schooling sessions.
Another mother, Therese Cindy Venantius also shared the same concern for her Year 1 and 3 children.
"Today, there will be more students at schools as pupils from Year 1 to 4 are joining the older kids.
"If the situation is under control, I will consider resending my kids to school next week.
"Of course when it comes to education, no parent would want their children to be left behind, but staying alive is more important," she added.
Meanwhile, another parent Richard Tan said he was also worried about his child's safety but believed the school would take the necessary preventive measures.
"Prior to the re-opening, we trained our daughter to observe social distancing, to use a face mask and sanitise her hands.
"The virus will be around for quite some time, we have no choice but to take precautions to continue our normal routines."
Meanwhile in IPOH, Perak, pupils were excited to be able to return to school after months of home-based learning brought about by the spread of Covid-19.
"It's hard for me to get out of bed early this morning as I used to only wake up around 9am when I was home during the PKP (Movement Control Order)," said Nur Elyana Elisya Nor Haslan, a Standard 3 pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Meru Raya.
"I felt bored staying home and doing nothing. Today, I am happy to come to school as I finally get to see my teachers and friends," she said.
Her twin, Nor Aiman Danish said their parents had advised him to take care of his sister and obey all the school rules.
"My parents told us to always wash our hands, wear face masks and to observe social distancing.
"I believe my friends can follow all the rules set by the government and I hope there is no Covid-19 case involving any pupil," he said.
The twins were among 615 pupils of SK Meru Raya returning to school today after school session was suspended following the implementation of the MCO on March 18.
A total 130,713 pupils from Years 1 to 4, involving 852 primary schools were back to school today in Perak.