TANJUNG MALIM: School children whose uniforms have been destroyed by floods are exempted from wearing them when school reopens, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic).

       The Deputy Education Minister said they would allow children affected to go to school in normal attire as some families had yet to replace the damaged uniforms.

       “We always take into consideration the welfare of the students and also of the teachers.

       “Children who have lost their uniforms need not wear these (to school),” he said after launching the Orang Asli Integrated Programme at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris here on Friday (Jan 7).

       The 2021/2022 school session will begin on Jan 9 and 10.

       Schools in states that are still badly affected by the floods will be given more time to reopen.

       Dr Mah also said all preparatory steps to reopen schools have been taken by the respective state and district Education Departments.

       He said new furniture has been allocated for some schools to allow classes to resume, while those that still need replacement tables and chairs can defer reopening until they are ready.

       “All these are being managed by the respective state Education Departments.

       “We will ensure all those impacted will be taken care of,” he said.

       “What is important is that all those involved need to work together,” he added.