Its deputy minister, P Kamalanathan, said the ministry would take measures to tighten the existing safety SOP so that the incident would not be repeated.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic event. At times, the unexpected does happen, but the ministry will look into areas which need to be improved,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

He also expressed his condolences to the victim’s family.

Yesterday, Nuriey Nadhirah Roslan, 7, a female student of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Dato’ Hashim 1 in Pengkalan Chepa, died after she was bitten by a venomous animal believed to be a snake during recess.

Nuriey was bitten on her left calf while playing in the garden in front of her class about 10am.

Kamalanathan said the ministry was waiting for investigation reports to know what actually happened.

He said investigations by various parties, including the ministry, would be completed soon and he had requested it to be expedited.

Meanwhile, Kamalanathan reminded schools located in extremely hot areas to postpone all outdoor activities in ensuring students’ health and safety.

He added that the ministry was monitoring the weather daily so that closure of schools affected by the heat could be decided in advance.

Yesterday, Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid announced all schools in Jerantut (Pahang) and Kuala Krai (Kelantan) would be closed for two days from today as temperatures in both regions recorded readings of 38 degrees Celsius.

– BERNAMA