Kuching MP files emergency motion to debate bomb hoax threats in Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher has filed an emergency motion to debate the bomb hoax threats to schools in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 23).

Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii submitted the motion under Standing Order 18 (1) to Dewan Rakyat Speaker for approval so lawmakers will be able to debate on the recent bomb threats faced by schools nationwide.

He said that the issue should not be taken lightly as it involved the safety of all students, teachers and staff.

“That is why the police and all relevant authorities should take all necessary actions and conduct a thorough investigation on the matter to trace and detect the source of all these threats.

“Schools are supposed to be the safest place for our students to learn and grow. Not only is this act disruptive to the students and the classroom but to encounter any act that undermines the safety of our children is the most despicable indeed,” he said.

Yii urged legislators to get to the bottom of such threats and also called on the public to work together in ensuring the safety of the children.

“We do not want to create any unnecessary panic and disrupt our children’s education in the process.

“I also encourage members of the public to not spread or create unverified rumours that may create unnecessary panic during this time,” he added.

Yii said the motion would provide the Education Ministry a chance to brief the Lower House on the ministry’s procedure and standard operating procedure (SOP) in the event of such threats and if there are plans to tighten as well as improve guidelines to adapt to the current situation.

Yesterday (Nov 22), Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain announced that the police had received 37 reports of bomb threats in schools across the country.

The police had initiated investigations under Section 507 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act for misuse of network facilities.