KUALA LUMPUR: All private kindergartens and those at international schools registered with the Education Ministry are allowed to operate.

       As announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last Wednesday, the relaxation is for states under Phases One and Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), as well as pre-schools that admit children aged four to six.

       “The operation of kindergartens is subject to classroom capacity and physical distancing,” it said in a statement yesterday.

       Ismail Sabri, when announcing the relaxation of the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) for several sectors, also said that kindergartens, nurseries, daycare centres and mental development centres are allowed to reopen.

       Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun said 70% (8,895) of the 12,545 employees at nurseries registered with the Social Welfare Department have completed their Covid-19 vaccination.

       She added that 1,853 employees received their first dose last Friday, while another 1,797 are waiting for an appointment.

       “I urge nursery operators to follow the SOP to ensure a safe environment for the children,” she said.

       Rina said 2,618 nursery operators nationwide have benefitted from the special aid for nurseries under the National People’s Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih) to ensure the survival of Welfare Department-registered nurseries.

       She said payments started on Sept 1, with RM3,000 for institution, workplace and community nurseries, and RM800 for home-based nurseries. — Bernama