SHAH ALAM, April 6 — The death of a Year Two pupil who was hit by a van near her school in Batu Pahat, Johor, highlights ongoing weaknesses in road safety around school zones, said state executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman.
He called for an urgent, comprehensive review of safety measures to be conducted in collaboration with school administrators, parent-teacher associations, local authorities, the Royal Malaysia Police, and other relevant agencies.
“These include the implementation of a more organised traffic system, the provision of designated drop-off and pick-up zones for students, installation of road humps, warning lights, and stricter traffic monitoring in school areas,” Papparaidu said in a Facebook post today.
Yesterday, Nur Aini Umairah Mohd Fareez, eight, was hit by a van at 12.40pm as she was leaving SK Seri Maimon. She was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries.
The 60-year-old driver has since been remanded for further investigations.
Expressing sadness over the incident, the councillor demanded stricter enforcement and legal action against those who drive recklessly in school areas.
He noted that there have also been other videos circulating on social media showing drivers who are insensitive to safety in school areas, including running red lights, speeding, and ignoring pedestrian safety.
“There should be no compromise when it comes to the safety of children. School zones are not places for speeding, running red lights, or prioritising personal convenience in ways that endanger others' lives.
“We must not wait for more lives to be lost before taking serious action. The safety of our students must remain our collective priority, and prevention must happen now, before it is too late,” Papparaidu said.
He added that school zones should be the safest environment for children to receive an education, not a place where their lives are threatened by the recklessness and irresponsibility of road users.
“This incident is not just an ordinary case, but a serious warning that safety aspects in school areas still have many weaknesses that need to be addressed urgently. We cannot continue to take a complacent approach and only act after lives have been lost,” Papparaidu said.
