In a brief Twitter post, Radzi said around 2,500 teachers have refused to get vaccinated so far, adding that he will get in touch with them.

Meanwhile, Astro Awani quoted Radzi as saying the 2,500 teachers who turned down the vaccines had cited health factors and also a lack of confidence in the vaccines.

He said the decision to bar them from physically teaching and interacting with students was to ensure that schools would reopen safely for students, teachers and the management.

“The education ministry will issue a guideline and also discuss with the public service department on what actions can be taken against teachers who refuse to be vaccinated,” he said.

He added that 96.7% of teachers have already received their first vaccine dose while 85.26% were already fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, 73.1% of service staff such as cleaners, canteen operators and security guards have also been given two doses.

This percentage will increase before schools reopen early next month, he assured.

Earlier today, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he would discuss with Radzi the proposal to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for teachers, citing legal implications.

Yesterday, Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah warned religious teachers and mosque officials in the state who refuse the Covid-19 vaccine that they could be barred from carrying out their duties.

In a statement, Sultan Sharafuddin voiced his displeasure that 95 “Kafa” teachers, 11 mosque officials and six matchmakers in the state had refused vaccination.

The sultan said he had also been made to understand that 450 primary and secondary school teachers in the state have refused the vaccine.

Previously, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim summoned the state education department director and 779 teachers who refused to be vaccinated over the matter.

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