Pupils flee school hit by freak storm
Six kids injured while having lessons as strong winds rip off roof
MELAKA: Terrified pupils of SJK (C) Malim here fled their classrooms crying after a freak storm hit their school. The tornado-like storm injured six of the pupils.
The storm that swept through Klebang, Malim, Taman Merdeka Jaya, Cheng, Batu Berendam and the city centre yesterday also injured two others in the state.
The school’s headmistress Ho Siew Ling said strong gusts of wind ripped the school roof apart frightening the children who were having their lessons. There are a total of 820 pupils in the school.
“I don’t think that we can forget Aug 11, it was the most terrifying day. I saw the roof flying,” she said.
Ho said she has her teachers to thank for ensuring the safety of the pupils during the 10.10am incident.
“I quickly ran to switch off the main electricity supply to avoid a fire,” she said in an interview.
She said the teachers took turns to call the Fire and Rescue Department, police and alert the state Education Department about the incident.
She said the ambulance arrived swiftly and medical officers treated the six injured pupils who suffered minor injuries.
“Our teachers will do psychological impact assessments on the affected pupils in a house-to-house visit.
“I will also call for a meeting with the parents of the affected pupils on Wednesday (today),” she added.
A spokesman from the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department said apart from those injured, 22 other pupils were observed for shock at the school’s hall.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Abu Obadiat Mohamad said his team received 36 emergency calls during the period.
“There were several cars and properties damaged and the strong gusts of wind uprooted trees in its wake.
“Luckily, all the victims suffered only minor injuries,” he said.
Abu Obadiat said that Malim was the most affected area, followed by Cheng and Taman Merdeka.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry will expedite an emergency allocation for SJK (C) Malim.
Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said an instant allocation of RM150,000 had been approved based on the earlier application made by the school as funds for its maintenance.
“The school can utilise the allocation to carry out immediate repair works to ensure classes continue as normal.
“My ministry will look into approving an additional allocation as soon as possible,” he said after visiting the school.
Dr Mah said he also spoke to Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali during the visit.
“I was told the Melaka government
will set aside financial assistance for the school under the state’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund.
Melaka’s Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam was also present during Dr Mah’s visit to the school.