Polytechnic, community college overlooked in Covid-19 battle - Harapan
Pakatan Harapan's education committee urged the government to look into the plight of polytechnic and community college lecturers who appear to have received less attention during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It pointed out that while much focus has been given to school teachers with calls to expedite vaccination for them, polytechnic and community college lecturers face a higher risk...
Pakatan Harapan's education committee urged the government to look into the plight of polytechnic and community college lecturers who appear to have received less attention during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It pointed out that while much focus has been given to school teachers with calls to expedite vaccination for them, polytechnic and community college lecturers face a higher risk.
This was as these lecturers are mostly in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) field and lessons are often practical in nature and require engagement in person.
"While there are many calls for teachers' vaccination to be expedited, polytechnic and community college educators are sidelined even though they have to hold face-to-face practical courses in workshops, labs, and class," it said.
The committee also pointed out that these educators previously had to foot their own quarantine cost when travelling from the peninsula to return for duty in Sarawak.
In contrast, the cost was fully borne by the government for teachers under the Education Ministry.
"The polytechnic and community colleges have contributed much to the fight against Covid-19.
"Many have used their TVET skills to produce personal protective equipment such as gowns, face masks and face shield and aided in the distribution of food to the community," it said.
As such, it called for the government to give the appropriate attention to these educators and prioritise them in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
The Harapan education committee is led by former education minister Maszlee Malik, who is also the independent MP for Simpang Renggam.
The panel also includes representatives from other opposition parties, including Upko, Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) and Warisan.
