Boy, 16, dies after electrocution at M'sia secondary school's ablution area while preparing for evening prayers

A Form Four student from Sarawak, Malaysia, was killed, and another student was seriously injured after being electrocuted during routine evening prayer cleansing preparations.

According to Bernama, the incident occurred at a secondary school's ablution in Daro, Mukah Division, on May 6.

Malaysia police received information from the school at around 8pm regarding the incident that involved three students.

Police said the 16-year-old male victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical officer, reported Bernama.

Another victim rushed to hospital

In a statement to Malaysian media on May 7, the authorities said the other victim, who was seriously injured, was a Form Three student.

The 15-year-old was rushed to Daro Hospital before being referred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sibu Hospital for further treatment.

According to Bernama, another 15-year-old male student who was at the scene did not suffer any injuries.

The victim's body was taken to Daro Hospital for further action, and the police are investigating the case.

Sarawak State Education Department conducts probe

The Sarawak State Education Department (JPN Sarawak) has initiated an internal investigation to examine the secondary school's compliance with safety aspects.

In a media statement posted to Facebook, JPN Sarawak paid its condolences to Fahrin Jumandy bin Abdullah, who was electrocuted at the school.

JPN Sarawak said its focus was to provide assistance to the family of the deceased and ensure the welfare of the other student receiving treatment.

JPN Sarawak said it has also begun an internal probe, and the area where the incident occurred has been cordoned off.

Malaysian politician says issue linked to "dilapidated schools in Sarawak"

According to Bernama, Igan Member of Parliament Ahmad Johnie Zawawi urged the Malaysian Ministry of Education to conduct a comprehensive electrical wiring audit in all schools.

Ahmad Johnie said, "This case of death due to electrocution is linked to the issue of dilapidated schools in Sarawak, which involves not only ageing building structures but also inadequate facilities."

He urged that the Malaysian ministry take appropriate action "considering that some electrical wiring systems in schools are more than 15 years old."

In a Facebook post, Ahmad Johnie expressed his condolences and said: "A dilapidated school is not just a run-down building, but a matter of lives that are at stake."