Hands-on: Dr Mah operating the excavator to break ground for the new school hall at SMK Slim in Slim River, Perak. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
SLIM RIVER: It is important for school heads to pay attention to matters concerning the safety of the school building and to report any issues to the Education Ministry for immediate action, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
The Deputy Education Minister said this was especially so for old buildings that required additional attention.
He said that with swift action, any untoward incidents could be prevented.
He was responding to a question about a recent fire in Pedas, Negri Sembilan, where 10 hostel rooms and sections of SMKA Datuk Haji Abu Hassan Hj Sail were destroyed.
“The ministry prioritises health, safety and cleanliness in schools, both for the betterment of the students and the staff.
“When problems or issues are brought to the committee handling the three important aspects (health, safety and cleanliness), of which I am the chairman, we take proactive action and find solutions,” he told a press conference after the groundbreaking ceremony of a new school hall at SMK Slim here yesterday.
The RM394,000 hall is expected to be completed by November.
Dr Mah added that there were a lot more issues involving old buildings to look into, and not only those pertaining to the wiring system.
“We look into all aspects, and try to find a mechanism to carry out regular checks on such buildings.
“There are over 10,000 schools under the purview of the ministry. It is a big organisation,” he added.
Dr Mah added that issues concerning old buildings were not only limited to schools but many other government departments as well.
“But for schools, it is our responsibility to find the cause and solution to ensure that a similar incident does not occur again,” Dr Mah added.
