After reading last Wednesday’s article (“School bus driver pulls over after kids misbehave”), I am aggrieved for the driver, Mr Seeni Mohamad Alim, who was reportedly replaced.
I am a mother of two boys in primary school. When they were much younger, I used to drive them to and from their childcare centre. I can attest to the fact that noisy children distract and pose a real hazard to drivers.
I have always emphasised to my children the need to behave when the car is moving, and have felt like stopping at times when they misbehaved while I was trying to navigate heavy traffic.
Mr Alim decided to stop the bus probably because he felt the children misbehaved to such an extent that continuing the journey would be hazardous.
I am sure it was not an easy decision to make as the parents and the school’s management would not be pleased.
It was also reported that he intended to send five of the children back to the school and give the other four money for a taxi. But they boarded a public bus before he could stop them.
If Mr Alim’s employment has been terminated, then it is a great shame because he had simply wanted to ensure the safety of his passengers and other road users.
As for the children, their parents and the school’s management, they should reflect on this incident and take steps to ensure bus drivers can perform their duties peacefully and safely.
Chen Hui Feng (Ms)
* Letter first appeared in ST Forum (19 Aug).