PUTRAJAYA: Discussions are under way between the Education Ministry and the Public Service Department on what actions should be taken against teachers who do not take Covid-19 vaccines, says the Education Minister.

       Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin said there are two groups of teachers involved: those who are not taking vaccines under the advice of their doctors for health reasons, and those who do not wish to be vaccinated.

       “For the time being, we are ensuring that these teachers do not teach face-to-face in schools.

       “We want to stress that when we eventually reopen schools, the ecosystem, in general, would be vaccinated,” he said during the announcement of the new standard operating procedures (SOP) on Sunday (Sept 12).

       He said at any one time, the teachers, school support staff and implementation group members, who are required to enter schools, must all be vaccinated.

       As of Saturday (Sept 11), he said, 88.56% of teachers had received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines, while 97.46% had received at least one dose.

       “All those who want to work and provide their services in schools must be vaccinated,” he added.