October 3, schools in various Malaysian states will reopen at 50% capacity

Schools in numerous Malaysian states will resume on October 3, however classroom capacity will be limited to 50%.

Education Minister Radzi Jidin announced this on Sunday (September 12), saying that pupils would be divided into two groups, with each group taking turns attending classes in person.

"We'll divide the class into two groups.
We'll do this for all classes so that just half of the students are in class at any given moment "He told reporters about it.

"For example, Group A will physically attend lessons, whereas Group B will study from home for one week.
Group B will attend class the following week, while Group A will study at home.
This way we can reduce the numbers at any given time," he added.

Only states that are already in the third and fourth phases of the country's Covid-19 departure strategy - the National Recovery Plan - would be reopened, according to Datuk Radzi (NRP).

Phase one of the NRP entails a complete lockdown of all activities except those considered necessary, whereas phase two allows for some relaxation of restrictions, particularly in workplace operations.
Most sectors are operational in phase three, with minor restrictions on social sectors still in place, while step four is practically complete reopening.

The government set threshold indicators for each phase, most of which were based on the use of intensive care unit beds and the rate of vaccination attained.

With some exceptions, such as children in major test years or those with special needs, schools will stay closed in states under phases one and two.

Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, the federal territory of Putrajaya, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Melaka, and Sabah are now in phase one, whereas Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, the federal territory of Putrajaya, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Melaka, and Sabah are in phase two.

Phase three covers Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, and Sarawak, while phase four covers the federal territory of Labuan.