MELAKA: A vernacular school here will soon be the first public school in the state to have its own swimming pool.
SJK(C) Bukit Beruang's board of governors Chairman Datuk Ronald Gan said the 1.2m deep swimming pool is expected to be ready by next year at a cost of RM200,000.
"The intention is to teach pupils to swim and the danger of going into open water," he said in an interview on Wednesday (July 5).
Gan said the idea to build the pool came after the board read The Star's front page report on May 25 about the number of drowning cases involving children in the country.
"This is when we decided to build the pool and commission a professional coach to conduct swimming classes for our pupils.
"We will adhere to all safety measures, including engaging lifeguards, to ensure the safety of the pupils," he said.
Gan said the school would hold a fundraising dinner on Aug 25 to garner funds for the construction of the pool and other related facilities.
He said the dinner received an overwhelming response, mostly from former students.
"Initially, we planned to have the dinner at a Chinese restaurant at Pengkalan Rama here but we had to change the venue as more donors wanted to join. We have sold 150 tables so far," he said.
Gan also thanked the teachers and parents for their continued support and contributions for the swimming pool project.
