Kelantan, MOE Address Issue Of Schoolchildren Crossing Border Illegally

KOTA BHARU, April 13 -- The Kelantan state government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), will identify the best solution to address the issue of students crossing Sungai Golok from Thailand via illegal routes to attend schools around Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said one of the proposed measures is to provide accommodation or special hostels for the affected students.

“The state government is aware of the issue, which was resolved amicably yesterday. At the state level, through the Kelantan Islamic Foundation (YIK), together with MOE and relevant authorities, we will examine suitable approaches to ensure the students can continue their education without disruption.

“Although they live near the border, these children are Malaysian citizens entitled to education. We do not want them to drop out because of this issue. They must be able to continue their studies while complying with the measures to be introduced,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of an Ahmad’s Fried Chicken outlet here today.

He added that parents and students must comply with the rules under the new measures to be implemented.

Yesterday, 34 schoolchildren aged between seven and 16 from two primary schools and a secondary school were detained at about 7am after they were found crossing Sungai Golok illegally from Thailand into Malaysia.

Meanwhile, commenting on the accident at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tanjong Mas, which claimed the life of a Form One schoolgirl yesterday, he said the incident should serve as a lesson to all.

“This reminds us that accidents can happen anywhere and to anyone. As such, safety must always be prioritised. We pray the victim’s family remains strong, and the public refrains from making negative comments out of respect for all parties,” he said.

In the 1.50pm incident, Nur Fatimatul Hawa Mohd Azaudin, 13, died at the scene, while another schoolgirl was seriously injured after they were believed to have been hit by a car driven by a teacher.

Kota Bharu police chief ACP Mohd Azmir Damiri said initial investigations found the driver is believed to have mistakenly stepped on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to lose control and hit the victims.

-- BERNAMA