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The Sultan of Johor has called upon teachers to set "an example" and vaccinate, amid reports that there are up to 779 teachers who have refused to get a Covid-19 vaccine.
In his Facebook post, he said "civil servants, including teachers, should not be doubting the importance of getting vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities".
He added that teachers should be "setting an example to their students and protecting them, instead of placing students in danger," especially so when schools are expected to reopen soon.
He further stressed that people should not be "easily swayed by anti-vaxxers" and should have trust in certified medical professionals.
The monarch expressed hope that "all Johoreans will be vaccinated as soon as possible" so they can resume business activities and return to normalcy.
Sultan Ibrahim was responding to recent reports that 779 teachers in Johor have declined to get vaccinated, as detailed in the Malay Mail.
Crown Prince to meet with teachers
Following Sultan Ibrahim's comments, his son, Tunku Ismail, announced that he will be meeting the Johor Education Director and teachers on Aug. 27.
According to his post, the Johor State Secretary and the Mufti of Johor are expected to be present as well.
"This is to ensure (that) the rakyat's (people's) health, safety and well-being are always protected," he added.
Government to provide information and counselling to teachers
Johor official Mazlan Bujang reportedly said the state government will communicate with the teachers who rejected the vaccine individually.
They will be given information and counselling on the importance of being vaccinated, as per the Malay Mail.
According to Mazlan, a total of 45,448 or 96.26 per cent of teachers in Johor have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as of Aug.19.
He added that the Johor Education Department supports the cooperation between the state government and the Health Department in ensuring that the vaccination coverage reaches 100 per cent.
The Malaysian Ministry of Education expects schools to reopen starting Oct. 3, and the reopening will be done in observance to the circumstances at the time.
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Top image via Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar/Facebook