A 5-year-old boy was found dead on April 30 after getting trapped in a school van and suffocating in Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru.
According to Iskandar Puteri District Police Chief ACP M. Kumarasan, the boy was found unconscious in the van after being trapped inside for nearly five hours.
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Vans with over 10 kids must have an assistant
Following the incident, the Johor state government is setting guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that school van operators must follow to ensure student safety, as reported by Malaysia Gazette.
Johor’s State Education and Information Committee Chairman, Aznan Tamin, said these measures are meant to prevent another tragedy like this from happening again.
He added that vans carrying more than 10 kids must have an assistant to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for during the trip.
“These SOPs were made together with the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). Drivers and assistants must also get a valid health check and go through a psychological test to make sure they’re mentally and physically fit for the job,” he said.
Aznan Tamin
“Safety features must be fully functional”
Aznan also pointed out that these vans need regular inspections and maintenance to stay roadworthy, and all safety features like seat belts must be fully functional and safe to use.
“Some school vans are now equipped with alarm systems that alert the driver or assistant if a child is left behind after reaching the destination. The system detects if anyone’s still inside and triggers an alert,” he explained.
Any safety incidents involving school vans must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities, such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), or the District Education Office.
The seven SOPs are as follows:
- Drivers and assistants must go through special training on child safety, road safety, and first aid.
- Licensed operators must provide service from pick-up to the agreed destination.
- Drivers and assistants must make sure all students are safely on board or have exited the vehicle before it starts moving.
- Student attendance must be recorded during boarding and drop-off. If there are any cancellations or schedule changes, operators must notify parents, guardians, or schools at least one hour in advance.
- In emergencies, like a child being left behind, schools, van operators, and parents must follow clear procedures for quick action, including alerting authorities, contacting emergency services, and informing guardians.
- Van drivers and assistants must undergo road safety and first aid training. Schools, parents, and guardians should also be briefed on their responsibilities to help ensure children’s safety.
- Schools, parents, and van operators need to work together, stay alert to potential risks, and take proactive steps to avoid future incidents.
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Also read: 5yo M’sian Boy in Johor Dies from Suffocation After Being Left Inside School Van for 5 Hours
