Deputy Minister: Students have right to refuse unsafe activities
by Michael Ubam · Borneo Post OnlineSIBU (April 8): Students must be empowered to speak up and refuse participation in any activity that compromises their safety, said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“If you feel something is not safe, you have the right to say no,” Dr Annuar stressed when met by reporters after visiting the bereaved family of Joey Ling at Chiang Chuan Mortuary Hall, Bukit Lima Funeral Parlour today.
Joey, a trainee at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Perlis Campus from Sibu, drowned on April 4 during a kayaking activity at Pantai Merdeka, Kedah, alongside fellow trainee Christopher Ling from Kuching, amid rough sea conditions.
Dr Annuar pointed out that students, especially those undergoing training away from home, should not feel pressured to comply blindly with instructions if their safety is at risk.
“When it comes to safety, everyone has the right to say no. It is about your own safety,” he added.
At the same time, he emphasised that while safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) are likely already in place, the key issue lies in strict compliance and enforcement.
“We are sure there are SOPs. The question is whether they are strictly observed or not,” he said, adding that the tragedy should serve as a reminder for institutions to ensure guidelines are followed without compromise.
He further noted that training institutions, including teacher education institutes, must prioritise not only proper SOPs but also ensuring that trainees feel safe to voice concerns.
On the family’s call for transparency, Dr Annuar acknowledged their concerns and said he would discuss with the relevant state minister on ways to assist.
He added that the family hopes more people, particularly alumni of SMK Tung Hua and trainee teachers from IPG Rajang Campus, will come forward to pay their final respects as a show of emotional support.
According to family members, Ling had been studying at a teacher training institute for just over a year. She had returned home during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays but tragedy struck barely a week after she resumed her studies.
The encoffinment is scheduled at 7am tomorrow, followed by a Christian prayer service, before the cortege proceeds to Methodist Grace Memorial Park for burial.