Pupils injured by flying objects in storm incident

Six male students of Sekolah Agama Bandar Selesa Jaya in Skudai here were injured by flying wood splinters when the ceiling crashed into their classroom after the roof was ripped roof by strong winds, on Sunday afternoon.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the 3.40pm incident also involved the roof of another adjacent block.

"The incident occurred as six Year Four pupils who were in the classroom just started their learning session scheduled from 3.30pm to 6.30pm," he told reporters when visiting the school on Sunday.

Nur Jazlan said besides the six 10-year-olds, the falling roof also slightly damaged three cars belonging to teachers.

He said that he found that the roofs of the two blocks which were replaced eight months ago, did not comply with set specifications, as lightweight materials had been used which could be easily blown off by strong winds.

He wants a thorough investigation to be conducted into the incident, including bringing to account those responsible for the selection and installation of the roof.

All the students who were injured, on the head, hands and waist, received outpatient treatment at Sultanah Aminah Hospital here.

The 12-year-old school's headmaster, Mohd Nor Hamsin said a total of 87 students and seven teachers had just started classes as usual before heavy rain and strong winds struck.

Muhammad Nur Aiman Muhammad Nur, 11, a student at the school, said heavy rains and strong winds caused the fan in the classroom to wobble before the roof was blown off.

Meanwhile, the pupils' class teacher, Siti Hanisah Hasan, 34, said the affected classrooms were located on the second floor of the school building and had been recently painted and refurbished..

State Religious Affairs Committee chairman, Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim said he would find a suitable area where classes can be conducted to replace the affected classrooms, pending the restoration work.