KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has a right to ensure the safety of children returning to schools and can take action against teachers who refused Covid-19 vaccination.
Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin said although the number of unvaccinated teachers was small compared to the total number of teachers nationwide, this group could still potentially disrupt teaching and learning activities.
"There are about 2,500 unvaccinated teachers compared to over 415,000 teachers we have in total. The number may seem small, but it can create a huge impact.
"For example, there is one school where a group of teachers refusing vaccination teaches the same subject. Then who will teach the students?
"The ministry's approach is that the whole schooling ecosystem must be inoculated. So if one whole group refuses the vaccine, then we will take strict action in the interest of service so learning activities are not disrupted.
"The teachers say they have a right to refuse vaccination, but the Education Ministry also has the right to ensure that our children can attend school safely."
He said this on Astro Awani's Agenda Awani talk show aired live tonight.
Radzi said as compared to other civil service duties, teachers faced teachers daily thus it was vital for them to be vaccinated to prevent untoward incidents.
"We have given them advice and counselling. While waiting for the decision from the Public Service Department (on action to be taken), we will not allow unvaccinated teachers to teach physical classes," he added.
On Sept 15, Radzi had said that his ministry would take action against teachers who refused to be immunised with the Covid-19 vaccine.
The ministry was cooperating with the PSD and they were expected to cite public service laws and procedures on the matter.