TANJUNG MALIM: About 97% of the country's teachers have completed their Covid-19 vaccinations, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

       The Deputy Education Minister said that as of Oct 23, 400,678 teachers are now fully vaccinated.

       "From the total teachers' population in the country. There is still a small number of teachers who have yet to be vaccinated," he told reporters after a working visit to SK Pos Bersih, Slim near here on Monday (Oct 25).

       Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had advised teachers who have yet to be vaccinated to do so immediately to protect themselves and their students.

       Schools will be reopened in stages, starting with schools in Phase Four states involving Years One, Two and Three primary pupils, as well as Form Three and Form Four students in secondary schools on Nov 1.

       It was reported on Oct 1 that the Public Service Department (PSD) had warned that disciplinary action would be taken against civil servants who have yet to receive their vaccination by Nov 1.

       With preparations for the reopening of schools now ongoing, Dr Mah also urged teachers to complete their vaccination as soon as possible.

       "As for those who have not received their vaccine, we will refer the matter to the PSD for the next course of action," he said.