By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, March 20: All schools in Sarawak are now operating as usual despite continuous rain, says Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) deputy director of School Management Sector Omar Mahli.
“Although the weather was reported to be bad for the past few days prior to the beginning of the new school term today, alhamdulillah we have not received any report on school closure.
“However, last Saturday, we have received 21 reports on schools affected by flash floods but the waters receded by noon and no school property was damaged.
“Thus, all schools are expected to be operating as usual despite the rain,” he told reporters during a visit to SK Petra Jaya here today.
Omar further said the JPNS has informed all district education offices (PPDs) and school principals and headmasters to remain vigilant during the ongoing flood season, with several procedures in place for initial action.
The procedures in the event of a flash flood in schools include informing the parents of the situation, preparing a safe place for the school fraternity, and always staying in contact with the relevant authorities managing the disaster.
At the same time, Omar revealed that there are 408,642 students registered in Sarawak this year. Of these, 32,642 are Primary 1 students.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced the ‘no lessons in the first week of school’ concept where the school staff would instead conduct fun-filled activities for the children to familiarise themselves with the school environment.
Also present was SK Petra Jaya headmistress Norhayati Tokis. — DayakDaily
