Tahfiz: Mentri Besar, Chief Ministers, Ministers offer condolences to families of victims

ALOR STAR: Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah offered his condolences to the families of the 23 victims who were killed in a fire at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah Religious School in Jalan Keramat Ujung early this morning.
Ahmad Bashah said in a statement that the incident brought back memories of what had happened at Sekolah Menengah Agama Taufikiah Khairiah Al-Halimiah, also known as Pondok Pak Ya on Sept 22, 1989, when 27 students died.
"I am very sad over the incident this morning and I hope the family members will remain strong in the face of the tragedy that has befallen them. Let us pray that the souls of the affected students are placed among the pious," he said.
In MALACCA, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron has ordered the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim), the Malacca Education Department, safety and health agencies to inspect religious schools in the state to avoid such incidences.
He said all religious schools, whether under Jaim or the private sector, must be serious about the safety of their premises and there should be no compromise.
"The safety report must be immediately submitted to the state authorities. There must be pro-active and systematic action to avoid such tragedies in the future," he said in a statement here today when conveying his condolences to the families of the victims on behalf of the Malacca State Government and the people of Malacca.
In KUALA BERANG, TERENGGANU, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman also conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims.
"On behalf of the Terengganu state government and the people, I convey my condolences to the families and saddened by the tragedy ... we in Terengganu must learn from this incident. Hopefully, the relevant authorities like the local bodies, Fire and Rescue Department and district offices monitor the students' accommodations to ensure they are safe," he told reporters after the launch of the 2017 Kenyir Festival at Pengkalan Gawi, Tasik Kenyir today.
He added that stricter enforcement should be carried out to ensure the safety regulations and standards are met.
"This is a preventive step because when something like this happens, there is nothing we can do … I hope this tragedy does not happen again in the future," he said.
In KOTA KINABALU, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom expressed sadness over the incident.
"I send my condolences to the families," he told reporters after launching a religious programme organised by the Islamic Economic Development Foundation (Yapem) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here today.
Jamil Khir who later rushed back to Kuala Lumpur to visit the school, said he had ordered the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) to assist in the funeral arrangements of the students and wardens who died in the tragedy, including providing financial assistance.
In KOTA BARU, Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob also sent his condolences to the families of the fire victims.
Expressing his sadness over the incident, he urged the family members to be patient in these trying times.
"Surely this is very sad news for the families. Be strong in handling this unexpected tragedy," he said in a statement here today. — Bernama