Schools in Kuantan are no longer allowed to conduct archery practice sessions in their compounds, said district education officer Mohd Razali Mustafar.

He said the instruction had been issued before and the schools were given a reminder following a recent incident when a stray arrow hit a passing car, almost penetrating it.

“The instruction is not just for archery but also other risky sports such as discus throwing. We have suitable and safe areas for sports training and they need to go there to practise.

“Archery training should only be held at SK Talam in Indera Mahkota 15 which is well-equipped and meets the safety requirements. However, its location may be far for the school concerned,” he said when contacted today.

Razali said the district education office would not permit the school involved in the incident yesterday to conduct archery training sessions on its premises even if it installed safety nets.

“The safety net may stop the arrows from going out of the school compound, but what about the safety of students within its premises?

“So we have to be firm in not allowing the school to conduct archery sessions on its grounds,” he said.

Yesterday, the media reported that 62-year-old retiree Tan Theam Lye claimed the back door of his Suzuki Swift car was hit by a stray arrow in Jalan Beserah.

Tan said the arrow was released by one of four students in a school located near the road who could be seen practising archery under the supervision of a teacher.

He said the teacher had paid RM300 in compensation and that he wanted the school to increase its safety measures to prevent such incident happening again.

- Bernama