KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 367 juvenile offences involving school-going youth were recorded at Integrity Schools and Henry Gurney Schools as of June 2025, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
Of these, 172 cases involved drug offences, 169 were criminal cases, 21 were sexual offences, while others involved laws such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Road Transport Act, National Registration Act and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday (Aug 5) to Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN–Kuala Kedah), Fadhlina said the Education Ministry is committed to curbing gangsterism and misconduct among students through a range of initiatives.
These include enforcement guidelines under SPI 6/2000 and the Safe School Programme (SPI 4/2002), which aim to ensure school safety and deter drug abuse and violence.
The Caring School initiative (SPI 5/2023) promotes stronger ties between students, teachers and parents to create a safer, more harmonious learning environment.
Guidance and counselling teachers play a key role in identifying at-risk students, offering psychosocial support, and leading early interventions. The appointment of Character Ambassadors, Peer Counsellors, and student leaders also encourages positive peer influence.
To further shape student behaviour, the ministry launched the Character Building for the Madani Generation pilot programme in 2024. Focusing on values, discipline, patriotism and volunteerism, it aims to build students' resilience against negative influences like gangsterism.
Following encouraging results, the initiative was expanded across all ministry institutions in 2025—from preschool to post-secondary—as part of efforts to foster safe, disciplined and student-centred schools.
Meanwhile, students suspended for misconduct can take part in the “Bangkit Bermaruah” community service programme, which offers a restorative approach to rehabilitation through structured outreach activities.
Fadhlina emphasised that cooperation among schools, parents, police, local communities and education offices remains vital, adding that disciplinary action should not deprive students of their right to learn.
“The ministry urges all members of society to help tackle gangsterism. Parents play a crucial role in guiding and monitoring their children alongside schools,” she said.
