Latest news with #RosnahIsmail
The Star
03-08-2025
- General
- The Star
Securing the vulnerable
Way forward: Mapping schools based on hazard exposure allows for targeted resource allocation, says Dr Rosnah. – Freepik EQUITABLE, long-term and scalable interventions – beyond just emergency preparedness training – should be introduced in schools, particularly those serving vulnerable communities, say stakeholders. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Medicine Assoc Prof Dr Rosnah Ismail suggested using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to prioritise high-risk schools. 'Schools should be systematically mapped based on hazard exposure, such as flood zones, fire-prone areas, or poor infrastructure that may lead to landslides. 'This allows for targeted resource allocation, ensuring that practical interventions such as emergency equipment, training, and early warning systems are prioritised for the most vulnerable schools,' she said. She also recommended utilising artificial intelligence (AI)-simulated data to predict the consequences of system failures. 'AI and machine learning models can be employed to simulate the potential impact of fires or floods based on historical incident data and current infrastructure conditions. 'These simulations can help policymakers and school administrators visualise worst-case scenarios, assess the effectiveness of current control measures, and design evidence-based preparedness and response strategies,' she said. Dr Rosnah, who is also a public health medicine specialist, further emphasised the importance of hazard-proofing infrastructure in ageing school buildings. 'Collaboration with local government agencies, the Public Works Department, and engineering bodies is essential to upgrade outdated school infrastructure. 'Key improvements should include reinforcing building structures, enhancing drainage capacity to prevent water accumulation, and replacing or insulating old electrical wiring to reduce fire risk. 'These structural interventions must be tailored to local hazard profiles to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness,' she said. Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim called for investment in resilient infrastructure. 'Schools in flood-prone areas need elevated classrooms, proper drainage, and access to emergency power supplies. 'Each school should have an updated risk profile and disaster response plan tailored to local conditions.' she said. She also suggested introducing funding mechanisms for disaster resilience. 'Introduce dedicated national or state-level funds for school-based disaster resilience planning. 'Improve community-based early warning systems. Deploy accessible and multilingual alerts via SMS, radio, and community leaders to ensure no group is left behind,' she said. She added that recovery plans should include psychosocial support, especially for children from marginalised or repeatedly affected communities. 'Malaysia is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Embedding preparedness into education ensures that schools are not just centres of learning, but also safe community hubs during emergencies. 'It's also a matter of equity – underserved communities suffer most when preparedness is lacking,' she said. – By ROWENA CHUA
The Star
03-08-2025
- General
- The Star
Expert: Treat safety in schools as a public health matter
A worrisome problem: A file photo showing SJK(C) Pei Hwa in Kampung Kemang, Kota Tinggi, Johor, hit by floods which rose as high as the school's fence early last year. PETALING JAYA: Fire and flood safety in schools must be recognised as a public health priority, not merely a safety concern, says Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Medicine Assoc Prof Dr Rosnah Ismail. Dr Rosnah, who is also a public health medicine specialist, said achieving meaningful preparedness requires a whole-of-community approach, starting with the parent-teacher association (PTA). ALSO READ: Ramping up disaster response 'To institutionalise a safety culture, every PTA meeting should include a dedicated agenda item on school health and safety, ensuring that risk management remains a top priority. 'In emergencies, PTA members must be prepared to act according to the evacuation plan. Their involvement is essential in bridging the immediate response gap, protecting lives and reinforcing community resilience,' she said. Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim urged policymakers to treat disaster preparedness in schools not as an occasional awareness campaign but as a systemic reform agenda – interwoven with education quality, equity and sustainability. 'Emergency preparedness must be proactive, inclusive and student-centred. Schools are not isolated institutions – they are often the heart of the community. 'By equipping them with the knowledge, tools and resources to withstand and respond to natural hazards, we are protecting not just educational continuity, but lives,' she said. Since 2002, all schools, said the Education Ministry, must conduct self-assessment ratings on student activity management; school infrastructure safety management; social management; crisis or disaster management; risk management; and school security guard service management to ensure a safe learning environment. 'The self-assessment information will be verified by the State Education Departments and District Education Offices before further action is taken by the relevant authorities,' it said, calling on all principals and headmasters to take proactive measures to prevent fire incidents in schools. These include measures outlined in Circular No. 7/2000: Fire Prevention in Schools such as conducting fire drills, organising fire extinguisher demonstrations and preparing fire safety plans. Noting that one of the known causes of school fires is short circuits caused by ageing electrical wiring, the ministry said schools are required to report building conditions, including electrical wiring, in the School Safety Rating System. 'If there are issues related to wiring, the Public Works Department will be consulted before further action is taken.'
