THE Government has been urged to continually inspect and ensure that roads, bridges, infrastructure and public facilities under its purview and functions are safe, in good condition and are well-maintained at all times.
As such facilities involve the public’s and children’s lives and safety, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said that all assessment and reconstruction efforts should not only be a reactive measure but must be proactive as well.
Suhakam Children’s Commissioner (CC), Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal said this in response to recent news reports on Jan 10 about several students from SK Sibuga Besar in Sandakan who had to cross a dilapidated suspension bridge on their first day of school.
She further commended the actions of the Sandakan Town Council and the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department for their coordinated and swift plans to assess the bridge for repair or reconstruction and hopes that such efforts will be expedited further.
“With the opening of schools…all relevant Government agencies such as the Education Department must ensure that all children especially in rural areas are able to access education by providing them with the necessary aids including transportation and an enabling school environment which ensures their safety and security,” Noor Aziah said in a statement.
She further reiterated the need for the Government to increase its allocation for improving children’s access to education.
“Transparent reporting on the use of the budget for that purpose must also be available. Providing schools alone would not suffice; access to schools should also be made a priority.”- Jan 13, 2022
