Ministry’s approval needed to enter schools
> ‘People have to follow procedures to protect schools’ interests’
GEORGE TOWN: The Education Ministry must grant permission to those who want to enter schools, according to Penang Education Department director Shaari Osman.
He said the people have to adhere to proper procedures before entering schools for formal matters or official business.
“Regulations must be followed before allowing someone to enter, the interest of the school must be taken into account,” he said at a press conference yesterday.
He, however, did not want to prolong the issue and declined to elaborate when questioned further.
Shaari was asked to respond to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who reportedly was puzzled after he was not given permission to enter SJK(C) Sungai Lembu last week.
His office had applied to do so on Sept 5 but an Education Department letter the following day stated any chief minister or mentri besar wanting to enter schools needed the permission of the education minister.
Meanwhile, Shaari said there was a total of 21,656 candidates sitting for the UPSR in Penang from Sept 11 to 18. Four candidates will be taking their examinations in hospital. Two of them are at the Penang Hospital, one each at Balik Pulau Hospital and Pantai Hospital.
Shaari added the department has taken measures to mitigate the effect of floods on candidates in flood-prone areas.
“I pray the weather will be good throughout the examination period,” he added after visiting SJK(C) Kwang Hwa in Sungai Nibong.
One of those taking her examination at the Penang Hospital was Nur Irdiana Mohd Shah from SK Teluk Bahang.
She was warded after suffering a fractured right leg following an accident on Sept 9 while on her way to tuition.
Her mother, Siti Norbaiyah Basheer, 39, said her daughter was in good spirits to sit for the exam despite the accident.
“I hope she will do well and top the exam with flying colours,” she said.