PETALING JAYA: Everyone, including parents, teachers, local communities and the government, has a role to play in preventing future tragedies in school, said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the school stabbing incident at Bandar Utama should serve as a wake up call for everyone to work together.
“Pointing fingers will not solve the problem. What is needed is love, care, and joint action to protect and guide our younger generation,” said Nancy in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 15).
Nancy said the recent tragedy where a school student was stabbed to death was saddening and concerning.
“As a community, we should not look at this tragedy as an isolated incident. This reflects the challenges of values and social pressures faced by our kids at home, schools and the borderless digital world,” she said.
Nancy said there must be balance between being stern and empathetic in regulating social media.
“We must understand that the cause of this issue is not just discipline or technology, but it is about guidance, communication, and love within families and school communities,” she added.
Nancy said her ministry believes that families and schools must move in tandem to guide children on values and love.
She also said her ministry will never stop improving its services to those in need, given the new challenges faced by parents and children at present.
“But, we cannot move alone in addressing this challenge, as this requires everyone to play their part, not just in strengthening policies and programmes, but supporting family and community institutions through a more empathetic approach,” she added.
The stabbing incident took place on Tuesday (Oct 14) at 9.30am. The 14-year-old male suspect allegedly stabbed a 16-year-old female victim outside the girls’ toilet at 9.10am, using a weapon that was brought into school.
Two sharp weapons allegedly used in the attack were seized by the police and the suspect has been taken into custody.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said the matter will be brought to the Cabinet soon to discuss safety and disciplinary issues in schools, including the use of smartphones among school children.
