'Vertical school' development guidelines finalised - Wong

The Education Ministry has finalised the “Guidelines for Vertical School Development Planning”, which takes into account basic principles for the design of high-rise schools.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the guidelines would be presented to the cabinet soon.

He said the ministry took into account several factors, including vertical movement safety, accessibility for students with special needs, students’ emotional and social well-being, and access to recreational spaces.

“We also look into technical aspects such as acoustics, soundproofing, lighting and natural ventilation, emergency routes, building structure, maintenance, and strata management,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question from Muslimin Yahaya (PN–Sungai Besar) on Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) proposal to construct a two-block vertical school with between 10 and 17 storeys, and the measures taken by the ministry to ensure that basic safety facilities in schools are functioning properly.

Wong further said an engagement session had also been conducted by the Housing and Local Government Ministry involving the Town and Country Planning Department, Public Works Department, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as parents and teachers, to refine the design requirements for vertical schools.

He said the Education Ministry proposed three modules, namely constructing schools on land specifically designated for education purposes; incorporating community facilities such as clinics and libraries; and integrating school buildings with residential and commercial developments.

“School design must be curriculum-friendly, sustainable, and flexible, and adhere to the principles of a sense of belonging, attractiveness, safety, and ease of maintenance,” he said.

Wong added that the implementation of vertical schools would be subject to assessment by the ministry and relevant technical agencies, particularly in areas with populations exceeding one million.

DBKL previously proposed the construction of more vertical-concept schools, comprising two blocks of between 10 and 17 storeys, as part of efforts to address land constraints and the growing population in Kuala Lumpur.

- Bernama

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