AZIMAN Ahmad, a father of six from Kampung Padang Lalang, Ayer Hangat here, wants his children to get the best education for a brighter future.
However, the 50-year-old tour boat skipper is worried that his three children, aged between 9 and 11, have been missing quality education for the past several months as schools were forced to close due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
"Honestly, I am concerned about the safety of my children when they return to school as we are still battling the pandemic.
"However, with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government, I think it is worth a try," he said at the Tanjung Rhu tourism jetty here recently.
Aziman said although his children had been following home-based teaching and learning, he preferred that they resume face-to-face lessons in school.
"The teachers had briefed us on the SOP. I think since Covid-19 cases are now under control, we should give a chance to the children to return to school."
Aziman thanked the Education Ministry for showing leniency to children such as resuming schooling without having to wear school uniform.
"I lost my source of income as a tour boat skipper when the Movement Control Order was enforced and I had to work as a fisherman to earn money.
"Thankfully, I have returned to work since the tourism industry reopened in Langkawi on Sept 16, but it will take some time for our earnings to recover. I need to save before I can replace my children's school uniform."
His son, Mohd Adam Danish, said he was excited to return to school as he missed his classmates and teachers.
"I wish school can be like how it was before. It feels much better to be in the classroom and meet the teachers," said the Form Two student of SMK Ayer Hangat.
Another parent, Azmail Azami, 34, said children's education should be prioritised amid concerns of contracting Covid-19.
"As parents, we have limited skills and resources to educate our children at home. I also notice that children are not really focused on online learning.
"It would be great for children to be back in class for a better learning process."
Azmail, who also hails from Ayer Hangat, has children aged between 7 and 13.
He hoped that the SOP set by the Education Ministry would mitigate the risk of Covid-19 infections among schoolchildren.
"My children, who are in Years One and Two, are excited to return to school. As a parent, I will ensure that they comply with the SOP under the teachers' supervision."
Last month, Senior Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Radzi Jidin announced that 29 schools in Langkawi were ready to resume face-to-face classes by this month.
He said the schools' reopening was in line with Langkawi's Phase 4 status under the National Recovery Plan.
Besides Langkawi, schools in Labuan will resume face-to-face classes.