Sibu: Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew has stressed the urgent need for a stricter and more binding approval system before any high-risk activity is carried out.
He said all such activities must undergo thorough independent professional assessments, taking into account key factors such as weather conditions, environmental risks, and the safety of equipment involved.
“Clear criteria must be established to determine whether an activity should proceed or be called off.
“Those in charge must have both the authority and the courage to postpone or cancel activities if safety requirements are not fully met,” he said in response to the recent kayaking tragedy at Pantai Merdeka in Sungai Petani, Kedah, which claimed the lives of two students from Sarawak who were studying at the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Perlis.
Consequently, Ling urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to immediately review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all high-risk activities at the IPG nationwide, particularly water-based and outdoor training programs.
He stressed that any ambiguity or misalignment in the existing procedures must be corrected and strengthened without delay.
“Students should no longer be allowed to participate in activities under an unclear or incomplete safety framework,” he said.
Ling, who is also the DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman, emphasised that safety standards should go beyond mere compliance.
“All accompanying staff must hold relevant certifications and emergency handling capabilities, and safety equipment must be sufficient and meet required specifications.
“Any negligence or failure to meet standards must not be overlooked,” he said.
He also called for a clear accountability mechanism.
“If investigations find human error or management lapses, strict action must be taken against those responsible, without blaming system flaws or procedural issues,” he said.
Furthermore, he insisted that investigations must be independent and transparent, with findings and follow-up action plans publicly communicated within a reasonable timeframe.
“Any delay or vague statements would only erode public trust,” he said.
Ling underscored that safety reforms must go beyond verbal promises and be implemented through concrete actions and systemic changes.
He said every student’s life must be protected, and the trust of families should never be betrayed.
He hopes these measures will prompt the MOE and teacher training institutions to pay greater attention to safety issues, building a stronger protection system to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.
