KUCHING – Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has submitted an emergency motion under Standing Order 18(1) to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul for approval to have an emergency debate on the recent bomb threats in schools nationwide.
This is following bomb hoaxes at several schools, including in Sarawak, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Through this motion, I hope the Education Ministry will brief on their procedures and SOPs in case of such threats and tighten and improve such SOPs if needed to adapt to the current situation,” he said in a statement today.
“As of 2pm of November 22, the police reported that a total of 37 police reports had been made on bomb threats in schools all around the nation, involving 28 international schools, seven private schools and two public schools.
“Even though security flushes were performed by the police at all the affected schools and no evidence of any explosives was detected, this issue cannot be taken lightly because it does not only involve the safety and security of our students, teachers and staff, but more importantly, this is also a threat to our national security.”
He said that was why police and all relevant authorities should take all necessary actions and conduct a thorough investigation into this matter to trace and detect the source of all these threats.
It would also be important, he added, for police and relevant authorities to do all necessary investigation and allay the concerns of the students and parents on their safety and security in school.
“We do not want to create any unnecessary panic and disrupt our children’s education in the process. Additional steps will continue to be taken to ensure the safety and security of the students.”
He added that such an act is highly irresponsible as schools are supposed to be the safest place for students to learn and to grow, adding not only is this act disruptive to the classes the students have to go through, but any act targeting the safety and security of our children is most despicable.
“Work closely as a society to make sure our young ones are protected.”
He also stressed that the fullest weight of the law must come down on the irresponsible quarters who threatened the safety and security of children.
He also advised members of the public not to spread or create unverified news that may cause unnecessary panic but allow the authorities to do all that is necessary. – November 24, 2023