KAPIT: The students here must strive to adapt to the new norms at school, in view of them returning after having a ‘prolonged break’ due to the restriction period made necessary to curb further Covid-19 infection.
In this regard, Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong calls upon them to work together with the authorities in maintaining Kapit’s status as a ‘green zone’.
He said this when met yesterday during an inspection on SMK Selirik, which had welcomed back its 208 Form 5 students mid-last week.
Ugak (standing, third left) joins (standing, from left) Bidah, Ringgit, Jarit, Robert and Nicholas in a photo-call taken in one of the Form 5 classes at SMK Selirik.
Notably, Ugak conducted the working visit in his capacity as the new chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh).
“Today, I am visiting SMK Selirik to observe the arrangements that it has made in connection with the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the reopening of schools under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
“As the new chairman NIOSH, it is my duty to inspect and observe industries and also schools to make sure that they strictly comply with the set SOP to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
“It is crucial that everyone, including the students, to adapt to the new norms – in other words, the new working culture in our daily lives that covers the scanning of body temperature, regular hand-washing, and observing the proper social distancing,” said the MP.
On the level of compliance shown by SMK Selirik, Ugak was happy to see that everyone had been responsive and cooperative in terms of compliance with the SOP.
“SMK Selirik has done everything in accordance to the SOP, and I am calling upon the management of all schools in Kapit to emulate SMK Selirik,” he said.
Ugak also reiterated the importance to maintain Kapit’s status as a ‘green zone’.
“We must keep Kapit free from positive Covid-19 cases. This is our goal and all of us must work together to safeguard Kapit,” he added.
Ugak was accompanied by Kapit Education officer Ringgit Gawan, Kapit Health officer Dr Hamidi Mohamad, SMK Selirik principal Jarit Jamit and also the senior assistants, Dewis Lidek and Dr Layang Ugek, during the two-hour visit which covered the classrooms, the assembly hall, hostels, staff quarters, and dining hall.
The MP also also took some time to interact with the Form 5 students there, whom he advised to do their best in catching up with their studies in preparation for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination end of this year.
Only Form 5 students are in SMK Selirik for now – Form 1, 2, 3 and 4 students are waiting for further announcement from the Ministry of Education on when they can return to school.
Also joining Ugak in the visit were political secretary to chief minister Nicholas Kudi Jantai, Robert Liman who is administrative officer to Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, and Kapit District Office state administrative officer Bidah Lujah.