KUALA LUMPUR: Over 7,000 school students are still at flood relief centres, with Kelantan having the highest number, the Dewan Rakyat hears.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that of the total 7,212 students displaced due to the recent floods, 5,305 were in Kelantan, followed by Terengganu (1,090), Kedah (767), Melaka (30), Johor (18), and Perak (two).
She said this number was updated as of 8am on Thursday (Dec 5).
"The ministry has also mobilised the Smart Support Team (SST) and Academic Support Team (AST) at these relief centres.
SST consisted of experienced volunteer counselling teachers to support the emotional distress faced by students amidst the disaster, while AST aimed to assist the children with their continuous learning in the relief centres," she said in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Dec 5).
Fadhlina was responding to a question by Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu), who had asked the ministry to state the total number of students affected by the recent flood and the number of schools used as relief centres.
The minister said since the beginning of the northeast monsoon in November, a total of 470 educational institutions have been transformed into relief centres.
This comprised 392 primary schools, 77 secondary schools, and one vocational college.
"Three states with the highest number of institutions turned into relief centres were Kelantan with 240 schools, Terengganu (137), and Kedah (51).
"To date, there are still 117 schools operating as relief centres, with 93 being primary schools and 24 secondary schools," she added.
In a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) on assistance for the affected students, Fadhlina said that the ministry through Yayasan Didik Negara has ensured that the children will be provided with stationery, especially for those facing examinations.
She added that the assistance included the upcoming school year.
"Overall, the foundation will continue to make sure that the needs of the children are met," she said.
