Over 70% of Johor primary schoolkids skip online classes amid haze

Less than 30% of primary school pupils in Johor have been taking part in online learning following the temporary closure of schools due to the haze, says a parents’ group.

Yahya Jaafar, chairman of Persatuan Penglibatan Ibu Bapa dan Komuniti Swasta Negeri Johor, said this was in stark contrast with the 70% of secondary school students who have been following online lessons.

Yahya attributed the low figure for primary school pupils to limitations faced by working parents and a lack of devices and guidance at home, Utusan Malaysia reported.

He expressed concern that this could affect students’ learning if the haze persists, especially those sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination this year.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, parents were mostly at home, so they could help their children follow the online lessons.

“The situation is different now because many parents are still working and aren’t able to directly monitor their children,” he said.

Yahya suggested that schools reopen with everyone mandated to wear masks while in class. He said students could also be restricted from open spaces to reduce exposure to the haze.

“For boarding schools, lessons could be held in the dorms,” he said.

Schools in Johor remain closed today due to the haze. As of 8am, the air pollutant index reading in Pasir Gudang stood at 180, followed by Larkin (176), Kota Tinggi (169), Pengerang (166), Batu Pahat (161), Kluang (154), Tangkak (151) and Segamat (133).