ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has urged the state’s education and information exco to conduct frequent spot checks at schools to get the real picture of safety and discipline.
He said such visits should be conducted spontaneously, without informing the Education Ministry or the state Education Department.
“Based on my own experience, I once visited a school in Kuala Lumpur, where I was allowed to stroll in without any obstruction by the security guard.
“In contrast, when I visited a school in the outskirts of Terengganu, I was questioned by the security guard, who insisted that I fill in the logbook before I was allowed to enter the grounds.
“This is a good example of efforts to ensure school safety,” Mohd Puad (BN-Rengit) told the state assembly sitting here on Monday (Nov 17).
The state speaker, who is also a former deputy education minister, highlighted the matter after Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin (BN-Tanjung Surat) answered questions related to anti-bullying efforts in the state.
“There have been recent crimes and violence in schools, and we also don’t want to see school shootings that have happened overseas, taking place here.
“Such spot checks can give the exco a clearer picture of the weaknesses faced by schools and make the necessary improvements to prevent unwanted incidents,” he added.
Earlier, Aznan told the state assembly that the state government’s recently formed Johor Safe Zone committee, involving several exco members, is addressing issues such as bullying, vandalism, substance abuse, mental health matters, social issues, and school safety.
He added that the efforts are supported by multiple government agencies such as district Education offices and police departments.
