KUCHING: The Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) has expressed serious concern over the recent spike in influenza cases among school students across the country, following the Ministry of Education’s latest report.
KGBS said the sharp increase in infections requires urgent, comprehensive action to prevent a wider health crisis, particularly as schools are enclosed and densely populated environments that make cross-infection among students and teachers more likely.
“The rise in influenza cases in schools is alarming. Preventive steps must be taken immediately to protect students and teachers. Schools must be fully prepared to handle any outbreak to avoid disruptions to learning and ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” said KGBS president Zulkiflee Sebli to Sarawak Tribune on Tuesday (Oct 14)
He recommended that all schools conduct temperature and symptom screenings at school entrances, advise symptomatic students or teachers to refrain from attending school, provide soap and hand sanitizers at key locations, sanitize classrooms, prayer rooms, canteens, and toilets daily, and postpone large group activities if necessary.
“Schools are also advised to follow the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Education (KPM), Sarawak State Education Department, and Ministry of Health Malaysia.
“These include reporting cases to the District Health Office, monitoring daily infection trends, isolating symptomatic students, and conducting regular health awareness briefings for school communities.”
He also urged parents to avoid sending unwell children to school, ensure children get sufficient rest and nutrition, encourage the use of face masks, seek early medical treatment if symptoms persist, and stay alert to official instructions issued by schools.
“If the number of cases continues to rise and poses a risk to school safety, temporary school closures and the implementation of home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) can be considered.
“We agree that PdPR should be used as a last resort to ensure learning continuity while protecting community health.”
He stressed that close cooperation between the Ministry of Education, schools, parents, and the community is essential to effectively curb the spread of this outbreak.
“The health and safety of students and teachers must remain the top priority in every decision made.”
