Pathetic state of religious school in Malaysia upsets parents

Kuala Lumpur, June 18 (ANI): The plight of students of a religious school complex in Malaysia's Jinjang Utara can be highlighted from the fact that they are forced to study in a cabin-like environment, the Sinar Harian reported.

According to the report, although the Economic Planning Unit approved construction of the Hidayatul Mustaqimah primary school complex in January, it is still in a state of neglect.

Parents expressed regret over the school's condition, with some likening it to a stable.

One parent, Mohammad Osman Shafie, 46, said his children were forced to learn in cramped and stuffy conditions.

"I don't blame the religious school administration, but the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) should expedite the construction of the complex," The Star quoted him, as saying.

The school, which has 583 pupils, has morning and evening sessions.

The school's construction was at the request of Kepong residents in 1983. It started off as a wooden building before being moved to a surau between 1983 and 1989, and later to the current building, in 1990.

Another parent, Hashimah Daud, 52, said construction should be speeded up to meet the students' requirement.

"Every cabin-like classroom can only accommodate 20 pupils. It is also pathetic to see pupils eating under a tent because there is no canteen in the school," she said. (ANI)