School Security Continues To Be Strengthened To Prevent Untoward Incidents
DARO: Efforts to strengthen security and safety aspects in schools, including the inspection of electrical wiring systems, must continue to be enhanced to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
Daro Assemblyman, Dr Safiee Ahmad, said that the electrocution incident which claimed the life of a student at a secondary school here must serve as an important reminder to all parties to evaluate and improve safety standards in educational institutions.
“We feel saddened and grieved by this incident and convey our deepest condolences to the victim’s family. No one wants such a thing to happen.
“However, following this incident, we must reflect and look at the steps that can be taken to ensure the same tragedy does not recur,” he said when commenting on the incident.
According to Dr Safiee, a thorough investigation is expected to be conducted by the Ministry of Education (MOE) alongside relevant agencies to identify the actual cause of the incident.
He explained that among the immediate measures requiring attention is a comprehensive inspection of the electrical wiring system at the school, including the potential need for infrastructure renewal given the age of the buildings that have long been in use.
He added that inspections should also involve additional wiring that may have been installed without following safety specifications or was not carried out by those with the appropriate expertise and qualifications.
“This tragedy can be a turning point for conducting a more comprehensive assessment of electrical safety aspects, not only at this school but at other schools as well,” he stated.
In the meantime, he also emphasised that wooden-structured schools and old buildings have a higher risk of facing obsolete wiring issues, therefore, safety aspects cannot be taken lightly or compromised due to cost factors.
In addition to electrical systems, Safiee suggested that other basic facilities, including piping systems in school areas, be reviewed by considering the use of safer materials to reduce the risk of electrical conductivity.
He also stressed the importance of safety education and emergency training for students, particularly hostel residents, including exposure to the safe and correct ways to assist electrocution victims.
At the same time, he expressed hope that the school would provide counselling support to the victim’s family as well as individuals affected following the tragedy. -UKASnews
