Rina Harun: It’s unacceptable to conduct period spot checks in schools

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun (pic) has expressed shock over "period spot checks" being conducted on female students in schools.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said she will engage the relevant authorities to ensure the practice ends.

"This is unacceptable and shouldn't happen in schools, I take this seriously.

"I will follow up with the relevant ministries such as the Education Ministry and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) so that this doesn't happen again.

"This is very shocking, it is unimaginable," Rina was quoted as saying by Bernama on Friday (April 23).

A news portal reported that in multiple schools, girls have to undergo “period spot checks” where they are told to physically prove they are on their period through means that violate their privacy.

This was according to current students and those who left school up to 20 years ago.

This "proof" included showing their blood-soaked sanitary pads, doing swabs of their vagina with either cotton buds, tissues, or their fingers, or having a teacher, warden, or school prefect pat them down to feel if they are wearing a sanitary pad, they said.

Among those who have spoken out against the practice include former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik and several women leaders.

The practice was also condemned by several women non-governmental organisations including the All Women’s Action Society (Awam), Sisters In Islam (SIS) and Pertubuhan Pembangunan Kendiri Wanita dan Gadis (Women:Girls).