He said it was enough for them to attend class properly attired and neat.

He also said the matter had been mentioned before, but parents still complained about teachers who insisted on students coming to school in school uniform.

“When schools were reopened according to the national recovery plan (NRP) phases in several states, among others in the Klang Valley, Selangor and Melaka, we received complaints from parents who said that certain schools had asked their children to come in school uniform even though the uniform or shoes didn’t fit anymore.

“So, I would like to stress again that the ministry before this had said that for now until the end of the school term this year, we will allow the children to put on attire that is appropriate, that is more important,” he told reporters after a walkabout to see the preparations to welcome pupils when classes reopen at SK Semaseh in Panchor, here, today.

Radzi also said schools should be accommodating in welcoming back students, since parents, especially the underprivileged, had to deal with constraints when schools reopened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In another development, he said all schools entering Phase 4 of the NRP should pay specific attention to ventilation of classrooms and the staff room.

“The ventilation system needs special attention. In the beginning, many were confused, but lately, almost everyone now understands the importance of having a proper ventilation system in schools.

“Classrooms appear to be comfortable but not the teachers’ room. Sometimes they install air-conditioning units, but I hope they take into account the ventilation aspect. Windows should be left open for the safety of the teachers,” he said.

Commenting on the one-off intake of teachers to overcome a shortage, Radzi said the Education Services Commission had completed the selection of candidates for phase 1.

He said the initial selection criteria was based on candidates who would teach important subjects as well as those who have a background in educational studies.