CAUSE FOR CONCERN: State education director urges schools to beef up security
SANDAKAN: STATE education director Datuk Jame Alip visited two schools here recently, hoping that he would not be allowed in.
However, the security guards failed to do so and he entered without introducing himself last Friday evening.
Jame, in an effort to gauge safety and security measures in schools around the state, had started conducting spot checks since last year.
“I am not satisfied with this and I have strongly reminded the schools to be on their toes,” he said after his surprise visit.
Last year, he said a circular had been sent out to all schools informing them to step up safety and security in their premises.
“We have this culture of being too nice even though we know about the rules on letting visitors come into the school grounds especially at night.”
During the spot check at 10.30pm, Jame’s first stop was a secondary school, where he went straight to the lone guard at the entrance. The school gate was open and when Jame wanted to enter, the guard was initially reluctant. However, the man gave in after a while and Jame was allowed in.
In the second school about 11pm, Jame entered the premises without being questioned by anyone. He was not even stopped by a teacher who saw him. Only after the director produced his identification document did the guards and teacher at those schools realise their error.
However, Jame praised the schools he checked in Tawau and Lahad Datu, which screened all visitors.
“A guard in a Lahad Datu school, who denied me entry, even took out a copy of my circular to show that it is part of the school procedure. He did not know who I was but I am proud that he took his responsibility seriously,” said Jame.
He had visited 10 schools.
He said there were 60 security companies engaged by schools in the state to provide guards.
“The school administration should propose to stop the security services of companies which were ineffective.
“We want to instil confidence in parents, especially when they have children staying in the school hostels. Their safety is our priority.”
-NST
