Most thermometers issued more than a year ago were either misplaced or malfunctioned after a long period of non-use. I have three children (two in primary and one in secondary school) and only one of three thermometers was barely in working condition. Attempts to buy from pharmacies drew a blank as I was told there is a waiting list.

My child was given detention because he was not able to produce a thermometer. I was shocked when I was told he was not alone as hundreds of his schoolmates could not find a thermometer.

If this is a national initiative to ensure every child has a working thermometer on Total Defence Day, shouldn't the Ministry of Education or Singapore Civil Defence Force tie up with suppliers to buy thermometers weeks before Total Defence Day? Why are children punished because their parents cannot find a thermometer?

I was told some primary schools had thermometers for sale but the price was subsidised and they were unwilling to sell to outsiders.

Total Defence Day will take place year after year, and I urge the authorities to look into logistical preparation, like making thermometers available in school or working with pharmacies to stock the necessary items. There must be some price control to prevent profiteering by pharmacies. I was shocked by the disparity in prices from different sources.

Schools could also consider having children share thermometers (with separate disposable covers) if some children really cannot find one, and keeping a small quantity of thermometers as an emergency store.

Just curious - if all children must have their own thermometer, are teachers and non-teaching staff also involved in the temperature exercise? If so, I applaud. If not, why are adults exempt? In a real Sars outbreak, won't everyone in school be subject to temperature measurement?

Lim Chwee Ann