As multiple sectors are looking to reopen and accommodate fully vaccinated individuals, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong announced that driving schools nationwide will be allowed to continue their operations from Thursday (9 September) onwards according to the National Rehabilitation Plan (PPN) on an appointment basis.
He also said that although the driving schools are allowed to operate on that date, the driving test for the relevant driving license would only be allowed from 17 September onwards as reported by Berita Harian.
“This would allow driving schools and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to be fully prepared to avoid issues that can be a negative impact on upcoming candidates.”
The permission to operate has been approved by the National Security Council (MKN) and is subjected to be in compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) as implemented by the authorities.
He also said that staff, instructors, and candidates of the driving school must be fully vaccinated whereas the scale of operation for driving schools will be determined by their employees’ vaccination rate.
- If 40% of employees are fully vaccinated, the institute will be allowed to operate with a capacity of 60% employees.
- If 60% of employees are fully vaccinated, the institute will be allowed to operate with a capacity of 80% employees.
- If 80% of employees are fully vaccinated, the institute will be allowed to operate at a 100% capacity.
Wee also said that any staff or candidate that is symptomatic, lives in EMCO areas, or are patients Patients Under Monitoring (PUS) or undergoing a quarantine order are not allowed to attend the driving schools.
He said all staff and candidates must abide by the health protocols as set by the Ministry of Health (KKM) and implement new norms such as body temperature checks, MySejahtera scans, practice physical distancing, wear face masks and use hand sanitisers.
Understanding the challenges faced by driving schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Wee said that the Transportation Ministry has decided to provide a three-month moratorium until 30 November for the renewal of the driving school operation permits for licenses that expired between January to September 2021.
“It is hoped that the reopening of the driving schools would come as a relief to the operators of these driving schools in need of the relevant services,” he said reminding that any violation towards the SOPs administered would lead to actions taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 ( Act 342).
Let us know what you think in the comments section!
Read Also: KKM & MOE To Finalise Vaccine Administration For School Students On 9 Sept
