By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 15: A deteriorating wooden handrail along a staircase frequently used by students of SJK (C) Sg Apong in Selangan Batu has been replaced with a sturdier metal railing following concerns from parents and residents over children’s safety.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the improvement was made after parents and residents raised concerns about the condition of the handrail, which students regularly use when walking to school, particularly in the early morning.
He said the wooden railing had deteriorated over time, with some students reportedly sustaining injuries from splinters.
“For adults, this may look like a small matter, but when children use this route every day, we have to look at it from their point of view.
“If something is unsafe, we should not wait until a serious accident happens before taking action,” he said.
He added that the initiative was in line with MBKS’ Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) Action Plan, particularly its commitment to conducting safety audits around schools and identifying areas requiring improvements to protect children.
According to Wee, school surroundings are an important part of these audits as children’s daily journeys often extend beyond school compounds.
He said potential hazards could include damaged walkways, poor lighting, unsafe staircases, traffic movement and inadequate handrails, all of which could affect children’s safety.
“Building a child-friendly city is not only about organising activities for children. We must also look at their daily journey, the roads they cross, the lanes they walk through and the facilities they use.”
Wee also thanked members of the public who contributed materials and the contractor who assisted with installing the new handrail.
He said cooperation between the council, parents, schools, residents, the private sector and the wider community was important in identifying and addressing safety concerns around schools.
“Parents know the routes their children use. The residents know the condition of their neighbourhood. MBKS cannot do everything alone, so this cooperation is very important,” he said.
He added that MBKS would continue working with local communities to identify safety concerns around schools and introduce practical improvements wherever possible. – DayakDaily
