SUSPENDED‚ MAY FACE LEGAL ACTION
SOLUTION: ‘Cross the pond’ component suspended, says minister
ALL self-development modules for the Civil Defence Force (APM) uniformed units in primary schools will be reviewed, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim.
He said the modules had to be reviewed to ensure that only appropriate modules were implemented to avoid untoward incidents.
“We may conduct training (modules) for school teachers and then they can implement them for students in extracurricular activities.
“There are challenges, but we will find the best solution,” he said after meeting parents, teachers and pupils of SK Beluru here yesterday.
The meeting was held to provide information on the case of a snake thrown into the pond during a “cross the pond” module in the school’s APM uniformed unit camping programme.
A few days ago, a video recording of about two minutes went viral showing pupils in the muddy pool crying and screaming after a trainer threw a snake into it, drawing ire from netizens. Some APM members were seen spraying water and shouting at the pupils.
Forty-five pupils participated in the camp.
Shahidan said the government did not intend to stop APM uniformed unit camping programmes, but the cross the pond module would be suspended immediately.
“This programme has a lot of modules, not only physical activities. There are also spiritual modules. We cannot suspend it because it is organised to raise the self-esteem of students,” he said.
On the action taken against the APM members, Shahidan said 10 personnel had been suspended.
“The one who threw the snake into the pool has been suspended from participating in APM activities.
“Nine others were suspended from APM exercises involving schools,” he said, adding that all those involved were volunteers.
APM deputy commissioner (operations) Datuk Selamat Dahlan denied media reports which claimed that the students were also taken to a cemetery.
“That did not happen at all.” Bernama