High-Rise Schools in Kuala Lumpur: A Concern for Safety and Accessibility
DBKL recently proposed the construction of high-rise schools in Kuala Lumpur to accommodate increasing student populations and address land constraints. However, a teachers’ union has raised concerns over the safety and accessibility of these proposed schools, citing potential risks associated with emergency evacuations and traffic congestion.
Safety Concerns
The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon expressed concerns over the safety of students and teachers in high-rise school buildings. He highlighted that such large student populations could pose significant risks, particularly during emergency evacuations, if stairwells are crowded and fire hazards are present. "As such, the school must have clearly marked exits, conduct regular fire drills, and provide at least two wide staircases for quick and efficient evacuations," he emphasized.
Traffic and Accessibility Issues
Urban planner and chief strategy officer of My Mobility Vision, Rahman Hussin, warned that concentrating thousands of students in a single vertical structure could lead to severe traffic congestion. "With hundreds of students, teachers, and staff arriving and departing within short timeframes, the risk of severe bottlenecks is high," he said. However, he suggested that the problem can be managed by integrating schools with public transport networks and enforcing staggered start times.
Parental Support
Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, chairman of the Parents Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE), expressed concerns over the safety and security of their children in high-rise schools. She suggested that high-rise schools may be better suited for secondary students, who are more likely to adhere to structured evacuation procedures. "There must be a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and camaraderie to ensure order during emergencies, lunch breaks, and class transitions," she said.
Education Minister’s Response
Education minister Fadhlina Sidek has confirmed that discussions on the proposal are ongoing, with aspects of safety, accessibility, and feasibility being given due consideration.
Conclusion
The proposed high-rise schools in Kuala Lumpur have raised concerns over safety and accessibility, with potential risks associated with emergency evacuations and traffic congestion. While some may argue that high-rise schools are a viable solution to address land constraints and increasing student populations, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and teachers. A comprehensive approach, incorporating regular fire drills, wide staircases, and efficient evacuation procedures, is necessary to mitigate these concerns.
FAQs
Q: What are the concerns raised by the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) regarding high-rise schools?
A: The NUTP has expressed concerns over the safety of students and teachers in high-rise school buildings, citing potential risks associated with emergency evacuations and fire hazards.
Q: What is the proposed solution to address traffic congestion in high-rise schools?
A: Urban planner Rahman Hussin suggests integrating schools with public transport networks and enforcing staggered start times to mitigate congestion.
Q: Are high-rise schools suitable for all levels of education?
A: Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, chairman of PAGE, suggests that high-rise schools may be better suited for secondary students, who are more likely to adhere to structured evacuation procedures.