PRIME Minister Najib Razak has expressed sadness over the fire at a tahfiz school in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers.

He conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims of the pre-dawn blaze at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz school.

“I pray for their souls to be placed among those of martyrs because their faith is strong,” he said at a press conference after a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at the latter’s office at 10, Downing Street in London yesterday.

Najib advised the management of tahfiz schools in Malaysia to prioritise safety by adhering strictly to safety regulations imposed by local authorities and the Fire and Rescue Department to prevent a recurrence.

The victims of yesterday’s fire were trapped in the building, which had grilles affixed to the windows.

Najib yesterday tweeted that he was saddened upon receiving news of the tragedy. – Bernama, September 15, 2017.