Sarawak National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) has voiced serious concern over the rising number of violent crimes in educational institutions.
Its president Lucas Lau said the Child Act 2001 clearly stipulated that every child has the right to live and grow up in a safe environment, free from any form of abuse, violence or neglect.
“Therefore, failure to protect them is a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by law,” he said in a statement.
Lau said the growing number of crimes in schools was alarming.
He added that the National Child Protection Policy also highlighted the responsibility of society, including educational institutions, to ensure the best interests of children are always prioritised.
In this regard, he said Sarawak MTPN called for immediate and decisive action to strengthen student safety in schools.
Lau proposed for schools to have a “buddy system” as a basic mechanism to protect students.
“This system not only reduces the risk of students becoming victims when alone, but also helps foster a culture of responsibility and solidarity among them,” he said.
Additionally, Lau recommended for schools to enforce stricter regulations for enclosed areas such as toilets, which are often high-risk locations for sexual or physical assault.
He emphasised that female students, in particular, should be advised to use such facilities in pairs or groups to better ensure their safety.
Lau also said teachers and school staff should receive intensive training to identify early signs of aggressive behaviour among students and be equipped with basic crisis management and counselling skills.
He also called for more consistent and frequent monitoring of isolated areas within school compounds.
