IPOH: The nation’s frontliners today received a standing ovation from the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and members of the state Legislative Assembly in appreciation for their tireless battle with Covid-19.
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Sultan Nazrin said doctors, nurses, health and medical personnel, ambulance, hearse drivers and grave diggers as well as mortuary operators were suddenly hit with unexpected heavy responsibilities.
“They are being tasked at the frontlines and face the highest risk of infection, a burden of responsibility they never imagined.
“These risks also apply to food deliverymen, staff in grocery stores, supermarkets and pharmacies; public transport operators, members of the security forces and related agencies as well as public officials in various government departments who operate important services.
“They have upheld the principle of communal responsibility (kifayah) that must be appreciated. May Allah bestow the greatest rewards upon them for their services and sacrifices,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin said this in his opening speech at the 14th state legislative assembly sitting in Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here, today.
He also expressed his gratitude to educators who have pioneered the entirety of their efforts towards ensuring students receive the best education.
“Educators, students, parents, and various parties directly involved in the education sector are facing tough trials and challenges. The pandemic has shifted the educational landscape towards digital andragogy and pedagogy.
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“The Ministry of Education announced the closure of schools and introduced Teaching and Learning from Home (PdPR), replacing face-to-face physical lessons in school.
“Nearly three hundred thousand (298,318), or an equivalent of 95 per cent of students living in urban areas; and 64,001, the equivalent of 97 per cent of students living in rural areas have fallen in line with the new norm of PdPR learning,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin said apart from online learning, PdPR has also been carried out offline or outside school premises, depending on the suitability of learning facilities available to students and teachers.
“Throughout 2020, only 140 schooling days were physically operational, while the remaining 83 days took place through PdPR.
“Public exams such as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, Sijil Vokasional, Sijil Tinggi Agama and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan were delayed for four months; while the Ujian Pencapaian Bahasa Antarabangsa was postponed for almost eight months.
“With that, we express our royal gratitude towards the educators who have pioneered the entirety of their efforts towards ensuring students, who bear the weight of the future upon their shoulders, receive the best education there is.” he said.-NST