PETALING JAYA: All schools under the Education Ministry’s purview must comply with the existing Safe School Management Guidelines currently in force.
In a statement on Wednesday (May 6), the Education Ministry expressed concern over several recent accidents in schools, describing them as a clear signal that school safety must be further strengthened.
“At the same time, new guidelines are being finalised, taking into account the recommendations made by the Educational Institution Safety Reform Committee.
“The ministry has also sought the views of experts, including the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), to improve safety procedures and the use of vehicles in schools,” the statement read.
It added that all school administrators have also been reminded to continuously reinforce safety awareness, particularly regarding the use of vehicles on school premises.
“Schools must be ensured as the safest space for students, teachers, and the community,” it said.
The statement comes amid two recent fatal crash incidents at schools.
In the latest case, an eight-year-old pupil was killed on May 5 after being struck by a van outside the school gate in Batu Pahat, Johor.
Police have arrested the 60-year-old driver and are investigating the case under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
In an earlier incident on April 12, a Form One student died and another was seriously injured after being hit by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) in an accident at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tanjong Mas in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Police said the driver had mistakenly stepped on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to ram into the students. The case is also being investigated under Section 41(1) of the same Act.
