Over fifty per cent of SK Tohoi Orang Asli pupils back in school

About 62 per cent, or 117, out of 189 Orang Asli pupils of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tohoi, have returned to school to continue with their studies, said Kelantan State Education Department (JPN) director, Datuk Ab Aziz Abdullah.

He said the attendance showed an improvement compared to the approximate number of 100 pupils at the start of the school session as parents were increasingly confident of their children's safety in school.

"We have taken steps to fence up the school hostel and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) has provided transportation for children who choose to commute daily.

"In addition, after regular briefings and counseling they are feeling more assured," he said after officiating SK Bachok Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) general meeting here, Saturday.

However, Ab Aziz said parents who were still not satisfied with the facilities and security provided by the federal government could forward their suggestions through proper channels, such as the PTA. "The Kelantan JPN will forward the suggestions to the Education Ministry for consideration," said Ab Aziz.

SK Tohoi has 189 pupils and most of them live in Kampung Penad, Gawin, Simpor, Sedal, Dangdut, Halak, Rekom and Jader, about 60 kilometres from SK Tohoi.

In August last year, seven SK Tohoi pupils escaped from the schoolhostel as they feared punishment by a teacher after they were said to have gone for a swim without permission.

After missing for almost 50 days, Norieen Yaakob, 11, and Miksudiar Aluj, 12, were found starving and dehydrated on a river bank in the forest.

Besides Miksudiar and Norieen, five other children who went missing were Ika Ayel (9 years), Sasa Sobrie (8), Haikal Yaakob (8), Linda Rosli (8) and Juvina David (7), all from Kampung Gawin and Kampung Penad.

Four of the children - Ika, Haikal, Linda and Juvina were later found dead, while Sasa has yet to be found.