The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has instructed HELP University to immediately carry out a comprehensive safety inspection across all campus facilities following a fatal explosion that occurred during air-conditioning maintenance works.
In a statement, the ministry said it views the incident with utmost seriousness, particularly as it resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to nine others, including four students.
According to MOHE, the directive is part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of staff and students at all higher education institutions through strict adherence to safety standards, regular maintenance procedures and close cooperation with relevant authorities.
“The ministry emphasises that continuous compliance with safety regulations and preventive measures is essential to maintaining a secure and conducive campus environment,” the statement said.
MOHE added that the authorities are currently conducting further investigations into the incident, and any updates will be communicated as new information becomes available.
The ministry also instructed the university’s management to provide comprehensive welfare assistance to all affected victims, including medical care and psychosocial support, to ensure their recovery and well-being are properly addressed.
At the same time, MOHE said it will continue to closely monitor developments related to the incident and reiterated that it will not compromise on safety matters, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the learning environment at institutions of higher education nationwide.
Earlier, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Fadil Marsus was reported as saying that a 24-year-old local man, who was employed by a contractor company, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Nine others sustained injuries in the explosion.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the blast occurred at an air-conditioning maintenance area located adjacent to a cafeteria on the fourth floor of the private university campus.
-EDUCATION TVET ASIA