Fifty-seven schools in Lahad Datu and Semporna, which were temporarily closed following the intrusion of Sulu gunmen, will be reopened on Monday, said Deputy Education Minister Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

    

“Any decision to extend the closure will depend on the advice and security information issued by the National Security Council (NSC),” he said.

    

"If the NSC says it is safe to occupy the schools then we will open them," he told reporters after presenting contributions to the family of Sergeant Azis Sarikon, who had been killed during an intrusion in Semporna on March 2.

    

Mohd Puad said the school session will be replaced to avoid affecting the learning process, and added that the ministry had also discussed the prospect of stationing police officers at the school premises to ensure the students’ safety.

    

"Parents need not worry about their children once school reopens because security personnel will be stationed at the school," he claimed.

    

The eight schools still closed in Lahad Datu are Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tambisan, SK Tanjung Labian, SK Sahabat 16, SK Lok Buani, SK Sahabat 14, SK Cenderawasih, SK Fajar Harapan, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Desa Kencana.     

In Semporna, 49 schools remained closed - consisting of 40 primary schools and nine secondary schools.

    

He stressed that they have also discussed with security personnel on providing security to teachers working in risky areas.

    

Earlier, Mohd Puad presented RM36,486.15 - an amount which had been collected by matriculation colleges nationwide to the family of Sergeant Azis Sarikon.

- Bernama