Thinner poisoning incident prompts call for vigilance in schools

14 June 2023

By Wartawan Nabalu News

TUARAN: A recent incident of thinner poisoning among 20 students in Pitas has sparked a call for more vigilance in schools and parent-teacher associations (PTAs) in Tuaran.

Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai urged parents and teachers to monitor the activities and movements of their children, both inside and outside the school premises, to prevent such an incident from happening again.

He said the recent incident where the students consumed carbonated drinks mixed with a harmful thinner liquid, must serve as a lesson for everyone.

"What happened in Pitas must serve as an unequivocal lesson to us all. Parents and teachers must forge stronger bonds and proactively monitor children's activities and movements," he said at the SM Advent Tamparuli PTA general meeting.

The students, aged between 13 and 17, were rushed to the hospital last week after experiencing extreme discomfort, such as muscle cramps, breathing difficulties and other alarming symptoms.

Sabah Education Department Director Raisin Saidin expressed his deep concern over the incident and acknowledged its gravity.

He said parents and teachers must maintain open communication with their children and educate them on the risks of substance abuse and other harmful activities.

"We must remain ever-vigilant and maintain open lines of communication with our children, imparting upon them the risks associated with substance abuse and other detrimental activities.

"Through collective effort, we can foster a safer environment for our students, shielding them from potential harm," he said.

Joniston, who is also the State Assistant of Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, presented a RM100,000 allocation from the State Government to SM Advent Tamparuli during the event.

The allocation is intended to assist students in need. The school has more than 300 students from all over the state and many of them come from rural areas.

Joniston, who is an alumnus of the school, also presented certificates of excellence and financial incentives to students who achieved outstanding results in the SPM examinations.