KUCHING, Sept 23: The school board and management of SK Landeh have been advised to write to the Department of Environment (DOE) and Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) pertaining to cracks appearing on the school’s structure.
Batu Kitang Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Abdul Aziz Isa in a statement disclosed the school had earlier informed him that there are rock blasting activities carried out at a hill nearby.
“A company is currently carrying out stone mining activities on one of the hills located near SK Landeh. The tremors can be felt almost every morning by students and teachers. So far, the school management has not received any information regarding details of the company.
“As a result of the tremors resulting from the rock blasting, cracks have formed within the structure of the school building. It worries the parents as well as teachers in the school as this can endanger the lives of everyone in the school building. It may be unsafe to be occupied. Another factor is that the students’ learning process has been disrupted,” Abdul Aziz disclosed.
Following a recent visit to the school, Abdul Aziz pointed out that there is no reason why the building structure should have many cracks as it was newly built and only began operating in 2017.
“The hypothesis is simple. If the cracks of this building structure is due to quality of material, then the negligence may lie with the contractor that managed the construction project. However, if this crack is not due to the quality of material, then it is most likely due to the tremors resulting from rock blasting activities carried out by the company that mines the hill.
“Therefore, I’ve advised the school management to write to DOE and NREB. A complete and thorough investigation and report should be carried out as soon as possible. If the crack in the structure of the school building is due to the tremors resulting from the rock blasting activity, then the DOE and NREB must take stern actions,” Abdul Aziz asserted, adding that the Stampin Member of Parliament Service Centre and DAP Batu Kitang branch will monitor the situation from time to time.
He also gave assurance that DAP through its Stampin Member of Parliament Service Centre will continue to provide assistance and support to SK Landeh in efforts to develop the school’s infrastructure, strengthen the education system and increase welfare assistance to students.
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz and Tadika Kastil donated 500 pieces of face masks to SK Landeh.
The face masks were presented by Tadika Kastil headmistress Kong Ee Xuan to SK Landeh headmistress Nur Sarah Sandra Stephens.
Also present were representatives from the SK Landeh Parents-Teachers Association (PIBG). — DayakDaily
