Willie: Audit all schools in Sarawak for safety, health

KUCHING: The fire tragedy at SK Batu Bungan in Mulu on Wednesday which claimed the life of a teacher is a wake-up call for the authorities to ensure all schools especially those in rural areas are audited and certified in terms of occupational safety and health.

Puncak Borneo member of parliament ( MP) Willie Mongin in a press statement yesterday said that the tragedy could have been avoided if rural schools in Sarawak were well taken care of.

“It is time for a total reform of all 110 dilapidated rural schools in Sarawak and for all schools in the state to be audited on their safety level,” he said while feeling dismayed when hearing the news about the fire that engulfed two teachers’ quarters at SK Batu Bungan.

“Safety audit must be carried out immediately to identify all the unsafe school buildings, students’ boarding rooms and classrooms,” Willie added. He thus called for all schools in Sarawak to be audited by the Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health ( Niosh) and Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia ( Dosh).

“Also they must be certified as safe premises or buildings for occupancy. Mini fire brigade club in every school should be set up and members be trained well so that schools can respond fast should there be any fire incident,” he said.

After looking at the records of fires that occurred in school buildings from 2016 to 2018 period, Willie urged the PH-led federal government to put in 100 per cent effort and commitment to rebuild, restore or rehabilitate all the dilapidated schools in rural areas of Sarawak. School fires reported in 2016 include SMK Durin in Sibu (Aug 12), SK Long Busang Belaga (Aug 14), SK Sundar Lawas (Aug 14), SK Bario Miri ( Sept 4), SK Sungai Sugai Julau (Oct 10) while SMK Tebedu Serian on March 2 this year.

“There have been several incidents of school fires in rural areas of Sarawak since then and the ratio of fire cases reported is two schools in one year,” he pointed out.

“This is a sad thing as they affected pupils, teachers and staff in rural schools whereas the previous federal government under BN failed to come up with concrete actions to ensure these schools do not suffer from worse mishaps,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, Willie extended his deepest condolences to the family of the late Catherine Janet Tiwi from Kampung Skio, Bau. She perished in the SK Batu Bungan fire tragedy.

“May the family find comfort and consolation in this time of trial as we offer our prayers and share in their grief,” he said.