Johor Sultan's decree to identify fire-prone schools to be discussed

The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's decree that schools at high risk of catching fire should be identified, will be discussed at the state education executive councillors' meeting with Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid scheduled for Sept 25.

Johor Health, Environment, Education and Information Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat, who gave the assurance, said His Majesty's concern over the matter was indeed apt.

The decree followed the fire at Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah school in Kuala Lumpur at 5.15am yesterday, which claimed the lives of 21 students and two teachers.

"There are many tahfiz or religious schools being built in rural areas without proper development plans approved by the relevant agencies. In fact, the wiring system at primary and secondary schools may have been left unmonitored and needed replacement of upgrading.

"We are worried of the possibility of fire or structure collapse. Therefore, His Majesty's decree and reminder are very much appreciated," he said when contacted here today.

In his decree yesterday, His Majesty also urged the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department to take immediate action to identify high-risk premises, including madrasahs, tuition centres, boarding schools, primary and secondary schools.

He also called on the authorities to clamp down on centres which were operating illegally. -- BERNAMA