He said the situation, which was being monitored, was “under control” considering the large number of schools, which exceeds 10,000, nationwide.
“Now that we are currently transitioning to the endemic phase of the pandemic, we know that this virus is all around us.
“Alhamdulillah, the SOPs are effective and work well,” he told reporters after handing over digital education contributions at the Institute of Teachers Education at the Darul Aman Campus here.
He was commenting on the situation at Sekolah Seri Puteri, a residential school in Cyberjaya which was ordered to close temporarily after 143 cases were detected among staff and students.
It was also reported that 24 students of Maktab Mahmud Sik were found to be positive for Covid-19 yesterday. Three teachers at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Pendang were also ordered to undergo home surveillance after testing positive.
Radzi said the cause of the infections at these schools was still under investigation by district health offices.
“We are very meticulous about hostels. There are detailed SOPs because (whenever there is a case), there are risks and there is the potential for the infection to spread.
“In hostels, the risk of the virus spreading is higher than in day schools. The students are in dormitories all day, sitting together with friends without wearing face masks.
“We will continue to monitor the schools to ensure the situation is orderly and safe for students,” he added.
Radzi, however, said he was glad that almost all the students affected had completed their vaccination and were in category one (asymptomatic) and category 2A, with mild symptoms.
“So, for students who haven’t received the vaccines but are eligible, I appeal to their parents to get the children vaccinated.
“This also goes for teachers who have not been vaccinated yet.”
Radzi said the ministry would take stern action against school managements that try to conceal Covid-19 cases among teachers and students.
He said schools were required to report any cases involving students or staff immediately.
On the reopening of schools, Radzi said the ministry was resolving several key issues to ensure schools could be reopened in a safe and orderly manner, as well as making improvements to the existing infrastructure.
“We want to make sure our children can study in a conducive environment,” he said.