The Ministry of Education (MOE) is fully prepared to implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) arrangements during the ASEAN Summit periods in May and October, in support of efforts to ease traffic congestion around Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that the ministry is currently identifying the schools that will be affected by the shift, to ensure the smooth running of the ASEAN programme during both periods.
“There is no issue. We are fully prepared to implement the approach and are committed to ensuring its success. The matter has already been thoroughly discussed within the MOE,” she told reporters at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi, during a symbolic Jalur Gemilang badge ceremony.
The plan was mooted by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who proposed both work-from-home and PdPR arrangements during the summit periods. His proposal, which aims to minimise disruptions caused by road closures during high-level visits, will be presented to the Cabinet.
Mohamad said the move was prompted by the public inconvenience experienced during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, when several roads were shut down in key government areas.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina said her ministry is reviewing and refining the admission systems for Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) and fully residential schools (SBP), ahead of changes set to begin in January next year.
“We are taking full note of all aspects, including the qualification tests and other related matters. God willing, the process is being finetuned at both the ministry and MRSM levels, so there should be no issues,” she said.
Her comments follow remarks from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who stated that students may apply to both MRSM and SBP, but will only receive one offer to prevent overlapping placements.
