PETALING JAYA: Students’ compliance to the standard operating procedures has been smooth thus far with fewer kids attending schools, say parents.

       This is due to schools halving their attendance in accordance with the new SOP by the Education Ministry.

       With some parents taking the option not to send their children to school as well, those whose children have been attending physical classes have noted that the previous problem of overcrowding after school hours has reduced.

       Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education chairman Mak Chee Kin said according to the feedback he received from parents, some schools are reporting better compliance to the SOPs, and that students’ and pupils’ movements are easier to control with only 50%, or perhaps less, returning to schools.

       “Their movements are quieter and more restricted.

       “Teachers and school management are carrying out their duties diligently, according to the parents, who have also noticed that parents themselves are more cooperative,” he said.

       Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the group has been advocating for the rotation model as an alternative, as it was proven that the normal system was not workable, making physical distancing a challenge.

       Congestion is naturally eased as only half of the student population is present at any point in time, she added.

       A father who only wanted to be known as John said physical distancing was easier to adhere to.

       “Pupils’ turnout rate has been low, so traffic outside school has also been smooth,” said John, whose son is in Year Two at a school in Kuala Lumpur.

       Federation of Malaysian School Bus Operators Association president Amali Munif Rahmat agreed, stating that those who use school buses as their transport home do not rush to their seats nor create a ruckus.

       “I pick pupils up from daycare centres and these children are aged between seven to 12 years old.

       “On average, it’s been far fewer than 50% and all of them follow the rules well,” he added.

       On Monday, more students and pupils in the Klang Valley and Melaka made their way back to school now that their states have moved to Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan.

       The Education Ministry, in a statement on Oct 17, said states that move to Phase Four will involve the admission of Level One (Years One, Two and Three) primary school pupils, as well as Forms Three and Four students in secondary schools on Nov 1.

       “Attendance for Level 2 (Years Four, Five and Six) primary school pupils, as well as those in remove classes, Forms One and Two secondary school students will begin on Nov 8 (for these states),” it said, according to a Bernama report.