Nanta: Damage caused by storm estimated at RM4mil

KUALA LUMPUR: The damage to schools and residential premises here following last Friday’s storm is estimated to cost over RM4mil in repairs, says the Works Minister.

Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the storm affected 29 schools in Kuala Lumpur and it would cost about RM3mil to repair them.

“School repair work will be carried out as soon as possible using the Education Ministry’s allocation. It is up to the ministry to ask the Public Works Department (JKR) to carry out the restoration or the ministry can appoint its own contractor,” he said after visiting SK Setapak here yesterday, Bernama reported.

According to Nanta, apart from the schools, last Friday’s storm also hit the workers’ quarters at the Works Ministry involving five single-storey houses.

He said other premises affected by the storm were five units of quarters at the Defence Ministry estimated to cost up to RM500,000.

“In another incident, a tree toppled on a house at the Palestinian Embassy. JKR has received a report from the Property Management Division in Kuala Lumpur and has called a contractor to cut the fallen tree and carry out cleaning work as well as electrical repairs, estimated at RM600,000.”

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who was also present with Nanta in the visit to SK Setapak, said the school was the worst affected in last week’s storm.

“After this visit, follow-up actions will be implemented and completed during the school holidays. A total of eight classes suffered various damage involving learning equipment and wiring.”

It is understood that the 70 affected SK Setapak pupils are those with special needs. They are temporarily placed in the laboratory and other classrooms.