Joniston presenting the mock cheque of the RM100,000 contribution to Alben (4th left) and Teo (3rd left).
TUARAN: Schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) here have been urged to heighten their vigilance over students’ activities following the thinner poisoning incident in SMK Pinggan-Pinggan, Pitas.
Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said they must maintain close supervision, both within school premises and beyond, to prevent recurrence of such an incident 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 State Assistant of Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, was speaking at the SM Advent Tamparuli PTA general meeting here today. The school Principal Alben Rotop and PTA Chairman George Teo were also present.
Last week, 20 students from SMK Pinggan-Pinggan in Pitas were rushed to the hospital after consuming mixed carbonated drinks laced with a harmful thinner liquid.
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 had 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,” said Joniston.
During the event, Joniston, who is SM Advent Tamparuli alumnus, presented a RM100,000 allocation from the State Government 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.
