Pupils and parents using the roadside beside SJK Sungai Apong in Kuching now have a barrier between them and the deep drain. Safety railings have been installed with funding from Kuching South City Council (MBKS), according to a council press release reported by DayakDaily on Oct 30. A council site assessment had identified the unprotected drain as a hazard, particularly when heavy rain raises the water level. The work addresses a specific part of the school journey: the drain-side area used by families arriving at and leaving the school. It is a protective barrier, rather than a reported change to traffic flow, parking arrangements or school access. MBKS placed the improvement under its work on Unicef’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative, which brings children’s safety into decisions about public infrastructure. The report did not give the length or cost of the railings, or an installation completion date; Oct 30 is the date of the published update and inspection photograph.

Repairs at SJK Bintawa in Kuching have addressed three everyday problems: a leaking walkway roof, inadequate cover at waiting areas and damaged drain covers. The completed work includes roof repairs, extended shelter over the walkway and waiting areas, and replacement drain covers inside the school compound. For pupils moving between these spaces, the changes concern both protection from rain and the condition of the surfaces beside their route. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said in an Oct 29 media release that the work followed concerns raised by the principal during an earlier inspection with teachers and pupils. The announcement records completed repairs, rather than a promise of a future upgrade; it does not give a separate completion date. Three sponsors divided the work: Amcan supplied roofing materials, Tay Motor Sdn Bhd provided drain covers, and Wan Li Wan Welding Works carried out workmanship, installation and painting. Wee linked the improvements to Kuching South City Council’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative, focusing on facilities children use each day.

A deep roadside drain beside SJK Sungai Apong is under review by Kuching South City Council (MBKS), which is considering protective railings and a ramp to improve access. Council representatives inspected the school surroundings on October 15. The concern centres on a drain without protective railings, close to areas used by pupils and parents during drop-off and collection. Rising water during heavy rain could make that exposed edge more dangerous. The proposals are still being assessed against conditions at the site. Railings and a ramp are options under consideration, not works announced as completed or an access route already certified safe. For families using this stretch, the issue is the school approach rather than the school building itself. Until a physical improvement is in place, a site visit alone does not remove the open-drain hazard; keeping children back from the edge is particularly important during rain and busy collection periods. The assessment forms part of the council's work under the Child Friendly Cities Initiative. The next useful update for parents will be the chosen treatment and when it is installed.

Termite-damaged and declared unsafe by JKR — yet SMK Dalat's girls' hostel continues to house students, prompting an urgent call from Minister Fatimah Abdullah. [image: 1780899349010-smk-dalat-1-resized.jpg] DALAT: The girls' hostel at SMK Dalat has been declared unsafe by the Public Works Department (JKR), but students are still living there due to a lack of alternative accommodation. Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman, raised the issue during a visit to the school on Monday. "The first thing is safety. What we are concerned about is the safety of our students," she said. [image: 1780899350235-smk-dalat-2-resized.jpg] The nearly 48-year-old school comprises several ageing wooden structures, with termite infestation weakening parts of the buildings. The girls' hostel — located next to one of the old school blocks — remains occupied despite JKR's safety assessment. Fatimah noted that while the hostel is clean and well maintained by its occupants, visible signs of deterioration, including termite-damaged window frames, underscore the need for immediate action. The hostel was reportedly not included in the approved scope of renovation works for the school. Location: SMK Dalat, Dalat, Sarawak Details: Girls' hostel declared unsafe by JKR but still in use; Minister calls for urgent action; 48-year-old school with termite damage; renovation project did not cover hostel Source: The Borneo Post What do you think? Should student safety be prioritised faster?