Selangor Ruler expresses sorrow over tragedy

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor has expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the fire at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz.

Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also conveyed her condolences.

“I am very sad and disappointed with the news on the loss of lives involving students of Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz in the heartbreaking fire tragedy.

“The Tengku Permaisuri Selangor and I wish to convey our condolenc- es and hope that Allah SWT will give courage and strength to the families of the victims involved,” said Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in a statement issued by Istana Mestika here yesterday.

Earlier, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the residential building of the school lacked safety requirements.

He said that based on his observation together with City Hall officials at the scene, the premises only had one exit, which would be dangerous in the event of an emergency.

“The owner and management of the tahfiz were also found to have no approval from the Fire and Rescue Department and City Hall to operate the centre and carry out activities on the premises,” he said.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan called for all schools to be registered under the ministry.

He said the proposal to streamline tahfiz under the ministry had been submitted to the Cabinet and this would continue to be pursued until it was approved.

Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Jalil was at the scene to console the families of the victims.

Others who came were Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and DAP acting national chairman Tan Kok Wai.

Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who visited the victims’ families at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, said he hoped all schools would look into their safety features in case of an emergency.