THE Education Ministry has instructed SMK Seri Menanti’s design consultant to conduct a detailed investigation and prepare a report after a roof collapsed at the school in Muar, Johor.

It said the investigation and report will also include roofing work safety of the adjacent block.

“The ministry and Muar’s Public Works Department have ordered the consultant and contractors to conduct immediate remedial work after a detailed investigation is conducted to ensure the buildings can be used for schooling sessions.”

A ministry-conducted probe found that the roof structure, which collapsed, was still under construction and had not been completely closed off.

Strong winds had entered the half-opened roof structure and caused the collapse in Meranti block, it added.

The ministry said building maintenance and roof upgrading work at the school are carried out through a request for quotation in accordance with existing procurement regulation.

The contractor was to carry out the works from August 16, and was expected to complete them by next month.

The media had yesterday reported that the roof of a block at SMK Seri Menanti had collapsed, with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman saying that the incident occurred while school was in session. – Bernama, December 12, 2021.