In line with the government reallowing schools to operate post-MCO, MERCY Malaysia, an NGO which executes humanitarian projects in the whole country, has started an initiative in controlling the spread of COVID-19 among school communities via the building of handwashing kiosks.
According to the president of MERCY Malaysia, Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, the project is to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among students and teachers, besides increasing awareness of the new norm which must be practiced to fight against COVID-19.
“This project involves building handwashing kiosk structures which are placed in front of or near areas in which students are required to be screened for body temperature and wash their hands before entering the school premises,” he told reporters in a media session after the launch of the handwashing kiosk at SK Tasek Damai today (August 18).
The launch was graced by HRH Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim and wife of Perak Menteri Besar, Datin Seri Nomee Ashikin Mohamed Radzi. Also present were the Deputy Director-General of Education Malaysia (Policy and Curriculum), Dr Mohamed Abu Bakar and chief executive officer of Maybank Foundation, Shahril Azuar Jimin.
Ahmad Faizal added that 32 out of 100 schools in Malaysia were enlisted for the first phase of the handwashing kiosk project.
“Depending on the size and location of the kiosk, each kiosk can contain up to four sinks, costing between RM5,000 to RM7,000,” he mentioned.
Shahril Anuar said that the Maybank Foundation had contributed RM4 million into the handwashing kiosk project.
“The Maybank Foundation is proud to be part of this meaningful initiative by MERCY Malaysia,” he expressed.
“The fact that this deadly virus is still very much active even after such a long time is not to be taken lightly,” Ahmad Faizal urged. “Hopefully, these handwashing kiosks will continue to enlighten everyone on the severity of COVID-19.”
Chris Teh
