Mulu rep expresses sorrow over teacher’s death
MIRI: Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala has expressed his sorrow for a primary school teacher who was killed in a fire incident at SK Batu Bungan in Mulu on Wednesday.
Catherine Janet Tiwi, a teacher of SK Penghulu Baya Mallang in Apoh, Baram was at SK Batu Bungan since Tuesday to attend a five- day Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah ( UPSR) motivation camp when the incident occurred.
“It is with much sadness and regret that I just received news this morning ( Wednesday) about the unfortunate fire incident at SK Batu Bungan, Mulu. I am informed that one teacher lost her life and two teachers suffered burns in the fire.
“My deepest condolence to the family of the deceased, whom I understand was a teacher at SK Penghulu Baya Mallang, Long Terawan and my prayers for recovery for the teacher warded at Miri Hospital,” said Gerawat.
Gerawat said that following the incident, he had been in contact with director of Education, Marudi District Education Officer, Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba) and Marudi police who have informed and updated him on the incident.
“I am currently overseas and I have instructed my office to provide some immediate cash assistance to the family of the deceased and the two victims warded at Miri Hospital,” he said.
Gerawat also thanked staff of SK Batu Bungan, SK Batu Bungan parent-teacher association, local residents, Bomba, police and the director of Education Department and District Education officer for their assistance to the victims and their families.
He appealed to relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the remaining school buildings at SK Batu Bungan for teachers and students.
“I further appeal to the Ministry of Education to inspect the school to ensure the integrity and safety of all school premises and electrical wiring and implements therein.
“I sincerely hope the Ministry would rebuild the quarters, which had been destroyed by the fire and also the old school block, which has not been occupied due to its unsafe condition,” he added.