Tuaran: Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai urged schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) here to heighten their vigilance over students’ activities after students from SMK Pinggan-Pinggan in Pitas were poisoned while attempting to get high.
Emphasising the criticality of maintaining close supervision, both within school premises and beyond, Joniston underscored the need to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.
“What happened in Pitas must serve as an unequivocal lesson to us all. Parents and teachers must forge stronger bonds and proactively monitor children’s activities and movements,” he stressed.
Joniston, who is also Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, said this at the launch of the SM Advent Tamparuli PTA general meeting, Tuesday. Present were school principal Alben Rotop and PTA Chairman George Teo.
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These students, aged between 13 and 17, reported feelings of extreme discomfort, including muscle cramps, breathing difficulties and various other alarming symptoms.
Sabah Education Department Director Raisin Saidin expressed the department’s deep concern, acknowledging the gravity of the incident.
“We must remain ever vigilant and maintain open lines of communication with our children, imparting upon them the risks associated with substance abuse and other detrimental activities.
“Through collective effort, we can foster a safer environment for our students, shielding them from potential harm,” Joniston added.
During the event, Joniston, who is SM Advent Tamparuli alumnus, presented a symbolic RM100,000 mock cheque to the school, which was jointly received by Alben and George.
The allocation is from the State Government intended to assist students in need. The school has more than 300 students from all over the State and many of them come from the rural.
In addition, Joniston also presented certificates of excellence and financial incentives to students who attained outstanding results in the SPM examinations.
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