KUANTAN: A total of 180 community development department (Kemas) preschools and nurseries have been closed due to the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of yesterday.
Rural development minister Mahdzir Khalid said the closure involved 105 preschools while the remaining were nurseries throughout the country, except for Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
“The move to close the premises was made based on the advice and recommendations of the health ministry as each case detected is reported to the authorities.
“The premises will be closed for 10 days and appropriate action, including disinfection, will be carried out by Kemas officers,” he told reporters after attending a get-together and Aidilfitri celebration with Pahang Kemas staff here today.
According to Mahdzir, during the closure, home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) sessions would be conducted.
He also gave an assurance that Kemas would monitor developments and take proactive measures to address the spread of the disease on its premises, based on SOPs set by the health ministry.
Mahdzir added that body temperature scanning, as well as inspection for other HFMD symptoms, such as rashes and blisters on the skin, fever and mouth ulcers, should be carried out at the entrance of the premises.
“We hope all parents will assist us to curb the spread of HFMD by ensuring their children are healthy and do not have symptoms.
“If siblings have symptoms, then parents should not send their children to nurseries or preschools as a preventive measure,” he said.
Kemas has 10,765 preschools and 549 nurseries nationwide.
