BETONG: There was a sombre mood at the state-level Teachers Day celebration, here, today.
The teaching community of Sarawak were mourning the loss of a primary schoolteacher, who had perished in a fire earlier in the day.
Catherine Janet, 25, died while two of her colleagues suffered burns when fire gutted the teacher’s quarters of SK Batu Bungan in Mulu, near Miri.
State Education Department director Rakayah Madon mispronounced Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg’s name and broke down in sobs as she tried to speak at the event at Tan Sri Kalong Ningkan Hall here.
“I am sorry. I have lost one of my teachers,” she said, as she wiped away her tears.
Abang Johari, who was at the event, announced the launch of a fund for the victims.
“On behalf of the state government, I would like to convey our sympathies to the families of the victims,” he said.
“I would also like to announce that the state government will contribute RM50,000 to provide support assistance to those affected by the fire.”