PASIR MAS: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has unveiled plans to implement new standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at safeguarding flood-prone schools starting next year. The initiative will focus on relocating vital areas to higher floors and using flood-resistant materials to minimize damage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MOE secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi emphasized the need for preemptive measures following his visits to schools affected by floods. The new SOPs will involve moving key facilities such as teachers’ rooms, laboratories, and textbook storage to upper levels to prevent flood damage. Classrooms on lower floors will be equipped with flood-resistant materials like plastic to minimize potential damage during flood events.

Datuk Ruji highlighted the cost-saving potential of these measures, citing the example of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Meranti, where teachers’ rooms were destroyed, resulting in replacement costs that could reach tens of thousands. The goal is to reduce these
expenses through strategic planning. He intends to propose these SOPs for wider application across all flood-risk schools to the ministry.

During a visit to SMK Meranti, Datuk Ruji was accompanied by Kelantan Education Department (JPN) director Datuk Mohd Zamri Abdul Aziz. Media reports have previously identified SMK Meranti, situated nearly three kilometers from the Sungai Golok basin, as one of the schools severely affected by the recent flood wave at the end of last month.

In addition, Datuk Ruji mentioned that the JPN, district education offices (PPDs), and school principals have been directed to submit immediate reports on the damage and losses incurred. He assured that measures are in place to prevent disruption to the teaching and learning process, with expedited procurement processes to address the damage.

Datuk Ruji stated that emergency procurement facilities, including construction work and essential equipment purchase, are available. The procurement of necessary equipment is prioritized and exp
ected to be completed by the end of January.