Firms neglecting guard duty at schools face blacklisting

Deputy education minister’s warning comes after security guards go on strike due to salaries not being paid at two schools.

KUALA LUMPUR: Security companies which neglect guard duty at schools face blacklisting.

This warning was issued by Deputy Education Minister P. Kamalanathan.

The contract of these companies would not be renewed and they would be blacklisted, he said at a press conference on the recruitment of Indian students for matriculation.

Kamalanathan’s warning comes in the wake of incidents at two schools, one in Alor Setar and the other in Kuala Lumpur, where security guards on strike over alleged non-payment of salary had put the safety of pupils at risk.

“I am most disappointed with the strike (by security guards) at the schools. The guards may have a valid reason for their action and the companies should understand their situation.

“We will act and ensure that these companies do not get the contracts. Whatever the problem, the companies must resolve it and not allow it to fester to such an extent,” he said.

Last Thursday, pupils of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Keat Hwa in Alor Setar found themselves shut out from the school as the main gate was locked as the security guards went on strike over alleged non-payment of salary by their company.

Today, 25 security guards staged a strike at Sekolah Kebangsaan La Salle, Jinjang Utara, here claiming that they were not paid their salary for three months.

Kamalanathan also said that 6,542 Indian students were among the 102,492 students who had applied for the 2016/2017 matriculation programme, an increase from the 6,325 out of 108,533 who had applied last year.

“Every year, a quota of 1,500 places is made available for Indian students for the programme.

“The actual number for this year can only be confirmed after the students begin registration in colleges on June 5, 6 and 7,” he said.

He said Indian students who failed to secure places could appeal between April 14 and 27 and the outcome would be known on June 18.

Details of the appeal process are available on the ministry website at www.moe.gov.my or can be obtained by calling 03-8884 4042.

– BERNAMA