Construction next to classroom alarms parents

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Parents of SJK(T) Permatang Tinggi here are concerned for the safety of their children over the construction of a new school block within the existing compound.
One of them is N. Karthigessan, 44, who expressed his concerns over possible accidents.
He said he was worried after seeing how near a makeshift classroom, housed in a cabin, was next to the purported site where a three-storey building will be built.
He said he was afraid something may happen once construction is in progress and heavy machinery is brought to the site.
"I have to voice out now, who knows what can happen when construction starts.
"I am doing this not only for my children but for all the other children studying here," he said in a press conference today outside the school as reporters were barred from entering the school.
Also present was Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim who said the school authorities was willing to engage in discussions to address the issue.
"A meeting will be arranged soon," he said, adding that about 300 pupils would be affected by the construction.
theSun reached out to Penang Education Department director Shaari Osman who said the building was funded by the school board and approval came from the Works Department.
He stressed that the Works Department will ensure that safety measures will be in place during construction.
"Where safety is concerned, we will make sure all standard operation procedures will be undertaken," he said.