Parent volunteers, former students show support for TKPS students returning from Sabah
Some students and teachers from Tanjong Katong Primary School arrived back in Singapore today from Sabah where a deadly earthquake struck. Photo: Kelly Ng
SINGAPORE — Nineteen students and two teachers from Tanjong Katong Primay School (TKPS) arrived back in Singapore this afternoon (June 6) from Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, where a deadly earthquake struck yesterday.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat who was present at the holding area in Changi Airport Terminal Two said the students are shaken but otherwise they are fine.
He said that a team of Ministry of Education (MOE) officers together with two other officials arrived in Mount Kinabalu by early afternoon. "The operations are in full swing, and we are in close touch with the parents who have also flown in with us, to provide support to (them)," he said.
He added: "I'm aware that there is a photograph circulating on the Internet, speculating the (identity of the missing students), our officials are working very closely with the Malaysian authorities to try and certify the information...until we have ascertained the facts, I appreciate that we give the familes some support."
"One boy is receiving treatment in the hospital. I am very sad that one student has been confirmed to have passed away. Her parents have been informed."
A group that included parent volunteers and former students of TKPS were gathered outside the holding area to offer support.
Mr Hafiz Ahmad, 43, the uncle of a returning TKPS student Amal Ashley Lim said: “It’s quite unbearable (to be waiting) here. We have had to synchronise what we hear from the press and others...but we understand the limitations, that crisis management involves difficulties.”
“I’ve heard from our niece how a teacher protected her and another friend under the overhang (when the quake happened). She waited with them until they were helped down by another guide,” he said, adding that Amal’s father is studying abroad.
Among the parent volunteers was Dr Miyashita Swissdy, whose child completed TKPS’ Omega Challenge two years ago. She said she was at the airport to “show my support” as part of the TKPS family.
She added: “There is really nothing wrong with the programme per se, it helps to train the kids in perseverance...this time round, it was probably a lack of information from the ground.”
