MIRI, Oct 27 — Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates at an Ulu Baram boarding school were forced to study using torchlights last weekend after the generator broke down.
The incident at SMK Temenggong Datuk Lawai Jau in Long San left students without power in their dormitories, classrooms, and dining hall, prompting criticism from Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau over the contractor’s delayed response.
“Students who are about to sit for their SPM exams are still studying hard at night with only flashlights and candles after the school generator broke down,” Dennis said in a Facebook post.
“I am very sympathetic to the situation they are facing, but at the same time I am truly impressed by their strong spirit and determination to continue studying despite all the hardships.”
Dennis, who was in Long San to officiate at a sports carnival, witnessed for himself the challenges faced by students and school authorities.
He expressed frustration that the problem was not resolved immediately after the maintenance contractor was informed of the breakdown at the secondary school, located over four hours by road from here.
“If only the contractor had responded to the earlier request made by the school, it would not have come to this stage,” he said.
Following his Facebook post, which included photos of students studying using a torchlight and eating in a dimly-lit dining hall, the contractor finally fixed the generator.
Noting that similar incidents have occurred at other generator-dependent schools in rural areas, Dennis stressed the need for immediate action when such breakdowns occur.
“Whoever gets the contract to provide services for schools and clinics in rural areas must have a proper response team.
“Once they receive an SOS from the school or clinic management, they must act quickly. There is no excuse,” he stressed. — The Borneo Post
