PETALING JAYA: School tragedies should not be examined in isolation but addressed through an independent and comprehensive review of student safety and well-being, says G25 Malaysia.
The group said separate reviews conducted after each incident would not address the underlying reasons children become distressed, aggressive or violent, even when schools have physical security measures such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), guards and disciplinary procedures.
G25 called for a wider review covering physical security, hostel supervision, CCTV coverage and maintenance, security patrols, after-school and weekend activities, bullying and disciplinary procedures, mental health support, teacher workload, safeguarding and the effectiveness of existing policies.
“Every school should have a practical risk assessment identifying vulnerable locations, activities and times, including hostels, halls, staircases, secluded areas and periods outside normal classroom hours, and these assessments should be reviewed regularly,” it said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 7).
The group urged the government to do more to identify the root causes behind a series of serious and fatal incidents of violence involving students.
It said the Malaysian education system, which places strong emphasis on academic performance, examinations and competition, should also provide more artistic, community and outdoor activities to give students a sense of purpose and belonging, relieve pressure and provide positive outlets for their energy and emotions.
“A meaningful national strategy must involve children, parents, teachers, school leaders, counsellors, health professionals and the wider community.
“We need evidence-based programmes adapted to Malaysia's cultural and social circumstances, rather than repeatedly introducing new measures only when a crisis occurs,” it said.
Although no system could guarantee that every act of violence would be prevented, G25 said it was concerned about what it described as a continued reactive approach, with action often taken only after a crisis.
“We, the members of G25, call on our leaders to demonstrate that they are prepared to confront this problem with the seriousness, resources and sustained leadership that it requires.
“We do not need another promise after the next tragedy that ‘we will do better’. We need action and implementation before the next child is harmed,” it said.
The statement follows several recent deaths and violent incidents involving students.
They include 19-year-old polytechnic student M. Elisa Jonova, who was found dead in Kuantan, and 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, who died after being found with serious injuries at a secondary school in Yong Peng.
In July, a 15-year-old student in Banting was repeatedly stabbed by a schoolmate, while in September, 14-year-old Muhammad Idlan Fareeq died after allegedly being assaulted by senior students at a school hostel in Kuala Pilah.
In October last year, following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen at a school in Bandar Utama, the Education Ministry announced additional safety measures for schools, including millions of ringgit for CCTV systems, stronger police monitoring, full-time assistant hostel wardens and a Child Protection Policy.
