Bus Entry Into School Grounds Seen as Critical Safety Upgrade for Students
KUANTAN, April 2 — The decision to allow bus services to enter the compound of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sungai Baging is being viewed as a necessary safety improvement rather than a mere convenience for students.
UMNO Youth chief for Indera Mahkota, Nik Mohd Ridzuan Kamarudin, said the move reflects a growing awareness among authorities of the risks faced by students during their daily commute.
He noted that the previous arrangement, which required students to walk a considerable distance from the bus stop to the school, exposed them to multiple hazards including traffic congestion and unpredictable weather conditions.
“Student safety should be ensured from the moment they leave home until they reach school. This is not something that can be overlooked,” he said.
Public Concern Prompted Swift Action
The issue gained attention after members of the public raised concerns on social media about the safety of students who had to walk nearly 500 metres along a busy route.
The situation was seen as particularly risky during peak hours, when traffic volume is high and visibility may be compromised.
In response, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), together with the Bas.My operator, approved the entry of buses into the school compound, effectively resolving the long-standing concern.
Nik Mohd Ridzuan said the decision has brought relief to both students and parents, who had been worried about the potential dangers associated with the previous arrangement.
Multi-Agency Cooperation Key to Resolution
He highlighted that the swift resolution was made possible through collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, school authorities, and community representatives.
By working together, the parties involved were able to identify practical solutions and implement them without unnecessary delays.
“This shows that when all parties cooperate, issues affecting the public can be resolved efficiently,” he said.
He also praised the state government for taking a proactive role in addressing concerns that directly impact student welfare.
Further Improvements Needed at School Junction
Despite the progress, attention has also been drawn to the safety of the junction leading into the school, which has been identified by local police as a high-risk area.
Nik Mohd Ridzuan said the matter will be referred to the Public Works Department (JKR) for further assessment, including potential infrastructure upgrades to improve traffic flow and safety.
“We must take preventive measures. It is better to act now than to wait for an accident to happen,” he said.
The introduction of bus access into the school compound marks a significant step forward in enhancing student safety, while ongoing efforts to improve surrounding infrastructure are expected to further strengthen protection for students in the area.
-wilayah.com.my
