National Parent-Teacher Association president Assoc Prof Mohd Ali Hassan said the situation was worrying. "The Education Ministry and Health Ministry should take immediate action by closing down schools for the time being until the situation is stable," he told Straits Times. "We are worried that infections can spread if safety protocols are not followed when visiting public places such as Ramadan bazaars and shopping malls," he said. The delay in vaccinating teachers also meant they are susceptible to contracting the virus, he added. According to Health Minister Adham Baba, 83 Covid-19 clusters involving the education sector have been recorded this year, with 4,868 infections as of April 20.