Kuala Lampur, April 10 -- Following the Education Ministry (MOE)'s endorsement of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)'s proposal to construct high-rise schools of up to 17 storeys to address school shortages in densely populated urban areas - commonly called vertical schools - the initiative triggered a public backlash. Much of the criticism appears to stem from great concerns over student safety, as the building's height and potential overcrowding could lead to significant risks, especially during emergency evacuations.

The concept of vertical schools is not particularly new to Malaysia. According to news reports, the Federal Territory Education Department (JPWPKL) had previously approved and implemented high-rise school buildings, with the t...