Local authorities 'foster father' to Melaka tahfiz centres - Idris

The state government has instructed the local authorities to appoint senior officials as "foster fathers" of tahfiz centres in their jurisdiction to periodically monitor these premises.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said this move was aimed at preventing a repeat of the fire incident at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah religious residential centre in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 14, which killed 21 students and two teachers.

He said the local authorities must draw up a detailed report of every tahfiz centre in their area to make sure that the school management abide by the building plans, especially in the safety aspects.

"At the same time, we will also set up district working committees which will include the state Health and Employment Department, the District Education Office, the state Fire and Rescue Department under the local authority to carry out safety checks in all tahfiz schools.

"They will carry out comprehensive checks and take early action (in case of accidents) and if the buildings cannot be repaired, we will order them closed and not to be used again," he said.

Idris was speaking to reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting today at the Seri Negeri Complex in Ayer Keroh here Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA