State government directs schools to fence off and secure all high-risk spots, including utility covers, following a pupil’s death in a sewage drain.
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has instructed all schools to take immediate action to secure high-risk areas on their premises.
State Education and Human Capital Committee chairman Datuk Ismail Lasim said proactive measures must include fencing off and properly securing utility covers like septic tank lids.
He emphasised the need to prevent student access to these spots to avoid untoward incidents.
Ismail told the state assembly that schools must act immediately if holes or lightweight utility covers are found.
He was responding to a query about follow-up actions after a primary schoolboy in Lenggeng died from falling into a school sewage drain.
Regarding utility covers, Ismail said the Public Works Department uses fibre covers deemed safe and capable of withstanding significant weight.
He also revealed the State Education Department recorded 22 school-related accidents causing injuries between 2023 and 2025.
The Education Ministry has introduced a standardised School Safety Standards (PKS) system to ensure safety across all institutions. – Bernama
