In two-parent working families, children must rely on school buses to bring them to and from school. With 16,663 registered school buses in Malaysia, school bus safety is a main concerns raised by parents.
However, parents may find comfort knowing that the School Children Insurance Coverage Scheme is now in place. Under the policy, around 1.5 million students in primary and secondary students (up to Form 5) who travel by school bus will be protected in cases personal accident, permanent disability, and death up to RM 100,000.
Extra coverage for medical expenses is limited to RM 3,000, with in-hospital benefits up to RM 100 daily for a maximum of 30 days.
The policy applies to students from all types of schools registered under the Education of Ministry, including private and international schools.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the insurance scheme when tabling the 2013 national budget in September 2012. The government has since allocated RM 40 million in insurance coverage for a period of two years.
While the National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) said it welcomed the government’s move to pay for the insurance, more needs to be done to improve bus facilities and driver safety standards.
“It’s certainly a good move to implement the insurance scheme. For instance, if an untoward incident occurs to a child, the insurance coverage will at least ease the burden of the family. However, the school buses have to be upgraded to ensure students’ safety,” stated President Hashim Adnan.
Secretary General Loke Yim Peng added, “Most buses look old and should have seat belts, especially in the back row.”
“Insurance coverage is not going to reduce accidents. It is up to every individual bus driver to change their attitude.”
Creative Commons Love: Roel Meurders on Flickr.com
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