Are Our Schools Safe Enough for Our Children?

By TEH ENG HOCK

When discussing public education in the country, two concerns often dominate conversations among parents: the quality of education and the safety of school buildings and infrastructure.

Debates about curriculum and teaching methods frequently surface at social gatherings. While these topics are subjective, everyone shares a common goal: to enhance the quality of education for our children.

On the other hand, the safety of school buildings and infrastructure is a matter that unites parents and teachers alike. Many of us recall smelly, clogged toilets, leaking roofs, and faulty lights or fans—issues stemming from a lack of maintenance. It’s easy to blame school administrators, but they operate within tight budgets. For example, one secondary school in Subang Jaya receives only RM17,000 annually for maintenance. Stretching this over four or five blocks for 12 months is a near-impossible task. Any homeowner can attest that this sum is woefully inadequate.

If such minor issues remain unresolved, what about larger safety concerns? During a recent storm in Subang Jaya, eight schools lost parts of their roofs. Fortunately, the storm occurred over the weekend, sparing any injuries. But should we attribute this to strong winds or question the structural integrity of the roofs? Our “repair and replace” culture often underscores a weak commitment to maintenance.

Fire safety raises further alarm. In one primary school, the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) funds annual fire extinguisher refills, as there is no allocation from the Education Department, despite these being government assets. This same school lacked a functioning fire alarm panel, and its defective pump room rendered the hose reel unusable during emergencies. This was identified during an inspection by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba). Thanks to intervention from the Education Minister, the administrative process to begin repairs have started.

For those involved in school communities, here’s a critical insight: Bomba conducts fire audits in schools only upon request. Unlike commercial buildings, which must renew fire certifications annually, schools have no such requirement.

Another pressing issue is the electrical infrastructure in schools, which often struggles to keep up with modern demands. Over the years, well-meaning parents have stepped in to improve classroom conditions by donating appliances such as ceiling fans, digital monitors, and air conditioners. These contributions reflect their commitment to providing a more conducive learning environment for students. However, the execution of these improvements frequently lacks proper oversight or planning.

Many of these appliances are installed on an ad hoc basis, relying on existing power supplies rather than being connected directly to distribution boards. While this approach is perceived as cost-effective, it bypasses standard electrical installation practices and raises serious safety concerns. Overloaded circuits can lead to overheating, creating potential fire hazards. Faulty wiring or insufficient grounding further increases the risk of electrical shocks or equipment damage.

Moreover, the patchwork upgrades often fail to account for the overall electrical capacity of the school buildings, some of which were designed decades ago with far lower energy demands in mind. The cumulative effect of these uncoordinated installations can strain ageing electrical systems, causing frequent power outages or even dangerous malfunctions. Without proper investment in modernizing and upgrading school electrical infrastructure, such issues will only persist, putting both students and staff at unnecessary risk.

Education is the backbone of progress, and ensuring the safety and functionality of our schools is paramount. While the dedication of teachers and parents is commendable, they cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. Authorities must allocate sufficient budgets for maintenance and implement stricter safety regulations for school buildings.

Equally important is community involvement. Advocating for change collectively can magnify its impact. Together, we must create learning environments that nurture young minds while guaranteeing their physical safety. The time to act is now—our children’s future depends on it.

*The journalist-turned-PR strategist is currently serving as SS17 Rukun Tetangga chairman and MPP Zone 1 committee member, and a former PIBG committee member of a school in Subang Jaya.