Conduct regular checks on facilities, schools instructed

TANJUNG MALIM: The Education Ministry has instructed all schools to conduct regular checks on water tanks and other infrastructure of their schools to ensure that they are in a good condition.

This following an incident yesterday where the water tank of SMK Melor in Kelantan burst, injuring two students and traumatising three others.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, said the incident was being investigated by the Kelantan Education Department.

“This is not something that we take lightly as it involves the safety of the students and teachers in schools.

“This is why I have instructed all schools to check the water tanks as well as other infrastructures or facilities to ensure that the incident will not happen again.”

Dr Mah said this in a press conference after attending the groundbreaking of the construction of a hall at SK Tanjong Malim here today.

He added that the ministry’s asset department had been informed about the incident so that the school would get a new water tank and report on anything faulty that needed fixing immediately.

“The ministry will also conduct checks on water tanks at other schools nationwide to ensure a similar incident will not recur.

“The guiding principle is that we always do our best to ensure a conducive and safe environment at school for our students,” he said.

It was reported that the incident occurred about 10am yesterday near the school’s pedestrian pathway.

Five students were sent to the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital and a nearby clinic for treatment.

NST