Ranau school students study in makeshift tents
RANAU: For now, the pupils of SJKC Pai Wen here will be studying in tents on the school grounds as the building there has been declared unsafe by the Public Works Department’s Forensic Unit.
The 410 pupils are now studying under two makeshift tents while waiting for the construction of the temporary classrooms to be completed, State Education Director Datuk Jame Alip said.
Jame who visited the school on Sunday, said that the SJKC Pai Wen school building had sustained damage in the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Kundasang on June 5.
“The PWD Forensic Department has declared that the building is not safe for occupation which is why we have instructed that lessons be held outside,” he said after visiting the school.
He added that the classes were now being held in two makeshift tents and so far all have been progressing well.
It was learnt that the State Education Department’s Forensic Unit which visited and inspected SJKC Pai Wen, found that the building which housed four classrooms, the computer laboratory, science laboratory, administration office, resource centre, documentation room, rehabilitation room, religious studies room, senior officer’s room and the meeting room were not safe for use.
Jame also said that the Education Ministry and State Education Department will be sending counsellors to the school to give counselling to the teachers who were traumatized by the earthquake and mud flood which occurred recently.
Meanwhile, SJKC headmaster Ng Li King when met said that the school’s two sessions were still being conducted despite the shortcomings.
“Even though the pupils and teachers are still traumatized by the earthquake, they still carried on with their lessons. We are also very grateful to all who have contributed and donated to us,” Ng said.