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Deputy PM calls for all religious schools to be registered

Sep 14, 2017

The Deputy PM has called for all religious schools to be registered, and to have fire safety features such as a voluntary fire fighting squad.

This, after at least 21 students and two wardens died, when a fire broke out at their religious school in Datuk Keramat this morning.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also urged parents to opt for tahfiz centres with the neccessary safety features for their children.

The Education Ministry also says the government, along with the fire and rescue department, religious departments, and the relevant authorites will be working together to ensure all religious schools and tahfiz centres adhere to safety standards.

Meanwhile, a Fire and Rescue Department official says the cause of this morning's blaze is still being investigated:

This, as Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam says DNA tests are now being conducted, to identify the victim's remains.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is out of the country, also took to Twitter to express his condolences over loss of lives in this morning's fire.