Titiwangsa MP Johari seeks immediate aid for storm-hit SMK Datok Lokman

KUALA LUMPUR: The heavy storm that struck SMK Datok Lokman on Saturday has affected some 500 students after 12 classrooms were rendered inoperable when their roofs were blown off in the incident.

Titiwangsa member of parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said immediate aid must be provided to the school to ensure the students’ lessons were not disrupted for too long.

He said there was an urgency to address the matter as soon as possible as the affected students would be sitting for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia next March.

“This issue needs to be resolved soon. I want the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to submit a comprehensive letter. I will try to inform the Education Ministry (KPM) to look into this matter as soon as possible.

“Other than maintenance and repair, those involved must inspect thoroughly the SOP for roof installation and compare it with other schools that are not facing such a problem,” he told reporters after visiting the school, here, today.

Johari called for emergency funding to be allocated by the ministry to the school, as the situation was deemed urgent.

“I will ask the ministry or its director to view this as an emergency. We cannot simply wait for a budget or grant to be approved.

“If there is no allocation by the end of this year, an emergency budget from the ministry can be used.

“This involves 12 classes (1 block) and the students using it. Some had to study in the hall while other groups had to use the laboratory,” he said.

He also said that it was the role of MPs to act as a mediator in situations such as this where it involves the people.

SMK Datok Lokman PTA Chairman Saberi Ali said this was not the first time the school had faced such a predicament.

“The same thing also happened last year. Unfortunately, that itself (roof replacement) has yet to be completed, involving 11 classes and the administration office.

“The safety of these students is our priority. The parents are also concerned for their children.

“The school authorities have informed the ministry of this problem while the PTA contacted the MP (Johari). The PTA will prepare the necessary letter today and I hope that the ministry will take immediate action,” he said.

Sumber: NST