Security upgrade at rural schools after abduction bid
KUCHING: The recent attempted abduction of a Year 5 boy from SK Suri in Debak has prompted calls to the Education Ministry to seriously consider doubling the number of security guards at rural schools.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said increasing the number of guards at rural schools, from the current two to four, will go a long way in instilling confidence among staffers and students.
According to him, the July 25 incident has traumatised the students to the point where many have now opted to become day students.
“Many have left the hostel, and we are worried their education will be affected. The presence of extra security guards will inject confidence to the young students as they are still traumatised by the incident.
“The school compound is big and with only two guards. Whenever one falls sick, there will be only one person to look after the school,” he told The Borneo Post after chairing a meeting with the parent-teacher association of SK Suri on Saturday.
Uggah also revealed that he has approved a special allocation to immediately repair the school’s perimeter fencing. The intruder who attempted to abduct the boy is thought to have entered the compound via a damaged section of the fence.
He also said spotlights will be installed at blind spots apart while teachers will be staying with the children at the hostel to make them feel safer at night.
During the attempted abduction, the victim was brushing his teeth in the hostel bathroom when an armed man suddenly appeared and grabbed hold of him before attempting to drag him out.
The boy, however, shouted to his hostel mates for help which prompted the intruder to let go and escape in a white four-wheel drive vehicle waiting outside.