Directed Writing: Letter to the editor

Nizam Adzhar bin Chalmen,

36 Jalan TR15/33,

Taman Fazreena,

45100 Pernas

The Editor

Morning Star,

23 Jalan Iman,

45100 PERNAS                                                                                   14 February 2012

Dear Madam,

Proximity of Shopping Complex to school

I wish to express my concerns regarding the location of the mega shopping complex that is taking shape around SMK Tasik Fazreena. SMK Tasik Fazreena is a good school and the discipline of the students is very good. However, things may change soon.

2. I believe that truancy is going to be a major problem because the shooping complex is less than 100 metres from the entrance of the school. Students are going to be attracted to the exciting activities happening at the shopping complex. They will start missing classes.

3. Students will also waste a lot of time loitering I the shopping complex. Even if they do not miss school, they will go there after school instead of going home or to extra-curricular activities.

4. Another social problem that will be created is that of young students mixing with bad company. We know that many drug pushers, addicts and gangsters, hang out at shopping complexes, waiting for victims. Innocent teenagers may start mixing with bad company and get involved in unhealthy habits or even criminal activities.

5. A disadvantage of having a shopping complex so close to the school is that children will be attracted to it and get into the habit of frequenting the shops. Parents may not be able to control their children’s spending.

6. Another problem that may arise is the disruption of teaching and learning. The loud music and promotional activities that are held frequently in shopping malls will infiltrate the school and capture the attention of the young and impressionable students.

7. Finally, the roads around SMK Tasik Fazreena are going to be congested. As it is now, there is already traffic congestion before and after school hours. With the opening of the complex, the volume of traffic is definitely going to increase.

These are some of the problems that we, the teachers and students of SMK Tasik Fazreena, anticipate. I hope the authorities concerned will take appropriate steps to overcome the problems mentioned.

Thank you.

(Nizam Adzhar bin Chalmen)