Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin confirmed that there are 23 schools affected by the recent earthquake which struck Ranau on Friday at 7.15am.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, received a report from Sabah Education Department stating that 16 Sekolah kebangsaan, six Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan and one Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina located at Ranau, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Penampang, Nabawan, Keningau were affected.

“No deaths were reported as coincidentally it is the school holidays,” said Muhiyddin in a statement which was shared on his official Facebook page.

He said adequate provisions will be immediately distributed to the state education department for prompt repair works which will not interfere with the teaching and learning process at the affected schools.

“According on the images received, the damages were found on the structures of the school buildings, teachers' quarters, roads and land in the vicinity of the schools.

The Ministry is seeking expert services of forensics from the Public Works Department to determine whether the buildings involved are safe to use before repair works are conducted,” he said.

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Muhyiddin said the safety of teachers and students remain a priority and not to delay the teaching and learning process once the school sessions starts.

“If there are delays, the ministry will place the students to nearby schools so the learning process can continue like normal,” he said.

Meanwhile, he has also ordered that National Security Council (MKN) to place an early warning system on earthquakes so that schools are alerted when a disaster strikes.

He also advised local residents not to panic and to adhere to the authorities.