Mohamad, often referred to as Tok Mat, also welcomed the government’s move to allow children above the age of 12 to receive the vaccine, with priority for those sitting for major examinations.

However, he said the education sector would continue to be adversely affected until the recovery phase (phase three) of the government’s exit strategy for the pandemic.

He noted that more than 10,000 school canteen operators nationwide were significantly affected while awaiting schools to reopen.

“The education ministry should exempt rent for all school canteen premises until the education sector has fully recovered,” he said in a statement.

Mohamad also called for the contracts of all canteen operators to be extended by another two years to help offset the losses they have incurred since the start of the pandemic last year.

“At this time, any action that can reduce the burden on people’s shoulders should be the government’s top priority.”