Hysteria: PPD, schools given authority to take action - Mahdzir

The District Education Office (PPD) has been given full authority to decide on the best action to be taken when a school is hit by mass hysteria, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

He said apart from the PPD, the school affected was also allowed to find the best way in resolving the situation including seeking traditional medical help.

"... however, first thing is to take the victim to the hospital. Subsequently they may seek help from the bomoh or other traditional healers... we leave it to them," he told reporters after opening the Perak Malay Contractors Association 39th Annual General Meeting here, Thursday.

READ: Hysteria at SMK Pengkalan Chepa 2

Mahdzir was commenting on the hysterical attacks which occurred last week in three schools namely Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pengkalan Chepa 1, SMK Kemumin and SMK Kubang Kerian 3, Kelantan.

READ: Poor personal hygiene, lack of faith in Allah possible causes of mass hysteria - Expert

READ: Use the anti-hysteria kit in Pangkalan Chepa

When asked on the recent cases where students were bitten by snakes, Mahdzir said the State Education Department and PPD must issue a directive to the school management to take precautionary measures.

"Cleaning contractors are availbale in schools, perhaps get them to clean up the surroundings," he said.

On Wednesday, a Year Two pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Chembong in Rembau, fainted when she was bitten by a snake during a physical education session at the school field, but she was reported to be in stable condition.

The incident occurred a day after a Year One pupil of SK Datu Hashim in Kota Bharu, Kelantan died, believed to have been bitten by a snake in the school.