PUTRAJAYA: Putting an end to bullying and sexual harassment in schools will be a focus for the Education Ministry this year, says director-general Azman Adnan.
It is part of efforts to ensure the well-being of school leaders, teachers and students, he added.
"Issues such as bullying, work stress and sexual harassment will be dealt with firmly at all levels.
"This is in line with the wishes of Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek who often reminds the leadership in all educational institutions under the ministry not to compromise when it comes to bullying and sexual harassment," he said here on Friday (Feb 21) in his address to the ministry for the start of the 2025/26 school year.
Azman also said such issues need to be dealt with efficiently and according to the guidelines that have been prepared and distributed.
In addition to the guidelines, which are "complete to help schools handle the issues", he said the ministry also collaborates with other parties such as the police, local authorities and the Health Ministry to raise awareness among the whole of society.
"While these efforts have been around for a while, we will be more aggressive this year with our collaborations," he added.
Azman also said the issues to be tackled this year include dropouts, with secondary schooling to be made compulsory.
This would be covered when the Education Bill 2025 (Amendment): Continuation of Compulsory Education from Primary Education is tabled in parliament, he added.
Azman said reforming schools is also on the agenda to improve the quality of education through establishing an efficient administration, teachers' work culture, and student competencies.
Other priority areas are education leadership, improving teacher professionalism, improving students' literacy and numeracy, more participation in international student assessments, and forming a Madani generation.
He called on the ministry's staff to work together to achieve its aspirations through strategic actions and comprehensive implementation.
"Efficient governance and the effectiveness of the delivery system are the keys to our success in strengthening national education," he added.
