RCECENTLY, a video went viral showing several pupils in Nabawan, Sabah using rickety bamboo rafts and drums attached to zip lines to go to school.
Following uproar from the public, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said he had instructed the Nabawan district officer to contact the Chief Minister’s Department immediately to obtain allocation to buy boats.
“If it is boats they need, we (the state government) will approve it immediately,” The Star reported him as saying yesterday.
However, netizens were unimpressed with his response to the pupils’ plight and took to social media to criticise the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leader for it.
“Why something is done only after the issue come out in social media why the relevant authorities don’t do their homework…. Why someone have to lose their life or same thing happened then the action comes?” asked user Shivan Shivan.
Echoing his sentiments, user Sandy Yap added: “Honestly, what the hell have the government do to improve the people’s welfare? It’s 2022 and we still have children travelling in such manner to school. Where’s all the fund?”
Netizen Eddie Yong retorted: “Funny. It is always when it is made viral, then the government will take action.”
In the video which went viral last week, it showed several pupils using rickety bamboo rafts and drums attached to zip lines to go to school. The rafts were seen as being manned by the children themselves.
According to The Star, a resident of the area, Zazila Roslan, said the people of Kampung Nangkawangan had no choice as the suspension bridge used before was washed away.
Build a bridge, not send boats
On that note, several netizens told Hajiji to build a new suspension bridge for the villagers instead of sending boats, claiming the latter measure was risky.
“Either you build back the bridge with more robust structure to prevent it going down again, or you build a school with better facilities nearer to their place.
“Boats should be just a plan B if bridge going down again, and not approve it after it went down,” said user Lim Magdalene.
User Wei Ching stated: “Wat an absurd solution! Build bridges for them, govt give u money every year where is it? Make life safer n easier for the pupils.”
Netizen Ludovic Saintvoirin jested: “The good thing with Malaysia is if you want something or you want the politicians start working…Just take video. Forget about the official procedure. Just use the net.” – May 2, 2022
Pic credit: FMT
