BUKIT MERTAJAM: Three classrooms were gutted and two other classrooms suffered damage when fire broke out at a primary school near Permatang Pauh here this evening.
The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes with four fire brigades, a fire and rescue department spokesman said.
Education minister Fadhlina Sidek, who visited the site, thanked quick-acting teachers who saved as many items as they could from the affected classrooms. She said there were no students at the time, but just 11 teachers in the office.
She said an evaluation of the damages would be made and a disaster relief fund from the ministry would be paid out soon.
Fadhlina said the entire school block would be closed in the meantime for a safety inspection. She said a decision on online classes for the affected students would also be made, including scheduling of replacement classes.