Semporna schools to re-open Monday; Lahad Datu awaits go-ahead

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 — All 49 schools in the district of Semporna, comprising 40 primary and nine secondary, which were closed due to the Sulu militants armed intrusion, will reopen on Monday, said Sabah State Education director, Jame Alip.

However, the decision to resume classes at the eight schools in Lahad Datu would be made today after clearance from the security forces in the area, as they are near the offensive operations zone, he added.

He said that a special meeting would be held by a state security working group today in Kota Kinabalu to determine the level of safety where the schools are located.

“We will decide on the matter after receiving information from the security forces today,” he said when contacted through the live Malaysia Hari Ini (MHI) TV3 programme, this morning.

The eight schools are Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tambisan, SK Tanjung Labian, SK Sahabat 16, SK Lok Buani, SK Sahabat 14, SK Cenderawasih, SK Fajar Harapan, and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Desa Kencana.

Jame also advised parents to allow their children back to school and not worry for their safety as the security forces have secured the area. — Bernama