Although still functioning, it is important to know when to replace old appliances and machine parts such as ceiling fans and car tyres so that they do not pose a danger to their users.
Yesterday (October 18, 2022), a Standard 2 female student suffered broken fingers on her left hand after being hit by a falling classroom ceiling fan at her school in Selama, Perak.
The student’s father, who only wanted to be known as Mohd, 32, said his 8-year-old daughter was brought to Selama Hospital by his wife for further treatment after the incident at 10am.
Her injuries
According to him, an examination at the hospital found that his daughter suffered a broken finger bone on her left hand as well as injuries to her chest. Her left hand had to be wrapped in cement.
“I went to my daughter’s class and saw that the fan in the classroom was too old, worn out and rusty. The fan is not only unsafe, but it should not be used anymore.”
“It just so happened that my daughter’s desk was right under the fan, so her injury was quite serious compared to the (three other female students who also got injured),” he said.
Mohd added that his daughter who was given a sick leave of 14 days is still traumatised by the incident.
A father’s disappointment at the school
“I accept this incident as an accident, but I am saddened by the school which did not immediately send my child to the hospital for treatment,” Mohd expressed.
“The school gave the reason of having to follow the rules set by the Department of Education because the case was an accident that happened in the classroom. They wanted to wait for the parents to arrive before taking any action.”
“I am disappointed because this is an emergency case and required immediate action. My wife who arrived at the school informed us that our daughter’s hand had turned yellow due to the incident,” he said.
For illustration purposes only
The parents of the students involved have also made a police report at the Selama District Police Headquarters (IPD) yesterday evening.
Malaysians are concerned
In the comments, netizens expressed their sympathy for the victims and their families. They urged the Ministry of Education (MoE) to be more accountable regarding the condition of schools and felt that schools and teachers should be more proactive in emergency situations such as this.
“The MoE should be responsible (…). If she becomes permanently disabled, you all have to take responsibility of the child until she is able to be independent.”
“There’s no need for so much SOP. This is all humanity. You can think for yourself. Luckily, this is not a case about having difficulty breathing. Would you have waited for the parents too?”
We wish the victim a quick recovery!
Also read: Students Injured As Water Tank At Kelantan School Bursts & Falls Onto Footpath Below
