The education ministry's approval of RM50,000 for repairs at SRK Keat Hwa in Alor Star, Kedah has come too late, said a former student, referring to the death of a teacher who fell through termite-ridden floorboards.

The Chinese-language Sin Chew Daily reported that the school authorities had applied for funds in January to carry out repairs to the building.

"It's too late. If the tragedy hadn't occured, would there have been any funds for the school? I feel the government isn't concerned with the development of local vernacular schools, said Paul Ooi, 22.

Last Sunday, his former primary school teacher Chan Boon Heng, 43 (photo), had fallen to his death from the first floor of the school building and into the hall, while standing on rotten floorboards.

"What if a function had been in progress in the hall and the floorboards had given way while many students were there? More lives would have been lost," said Ooi, who studied at the Keat Hwa school for five years from 1990.

Education Ministry deputy secretary-general Jamaliah Kamis, in announcing the allocation for repairs yesterday, had said government-aided school buildings were the responsibility of the school board.

National news agency Bernama quoted her as saying that the ministry only provided the schools with teachers, support staff and basic facilities.

The government has long been criticised for not providing sufficient assistance to vernacular schools.

Caring teacher

Ooi, now working in Kuala Lumpur as a web developer, described Chan as a "responsible, friendly and caring teacher and a good educator".

"He was also my primary school basketball coach. He always gave opportunities for students, including me, to excel," he said.

Ooi added that Chan often reached out to students who lacked skills and knowledge and motivated them to succeed.

"Good, caring teachers are hard to find these days. His passing is a great loss to students and the education field," he added.

Following Chan's death, all headmasters and district education officers were instructed by Deputy Education Minister Hon Choon Kim to inspect old school buildings and submit reports to the district education offices.

The MCA has also expressed displeasure over the incident and, according to media reports today, is committed to ensuring that such incidents do not recur.

In expressing sympathy, Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday that he would personally help Chan's family.

He also laid blame on his ministry and the school for the tragedy, saying the school authorities - from the principal to the school board - and his ministry had to be accountable for the death.