KUALA LUMPUR: Immediate major reforms to school safety nationwide, both physical and mental, are currently underway, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said these reforms would include stricter enforcement of dangerous bans on dangerous items and enhanced student mental health and psychosocial support ecosystems, among others, in all 10,243 schools nationwide.
She said the reinforced mental health support ecosystem for guidance and counselling teachers, and students in particular, had been prioritised by the Ministry amid recent shocking crimes committed at schools.
“This will include immediate mental health strengthening programmes that will involve the Health Ministry and strategic partners in the mental health field,” she told the Dewan Rakyat during Minister Question Time on Thursday (Oct 16).
She said a reproductive and social health education programme would also be implemented at schools to address and raise awareness on sexual violence against children.
Fadhlina said the programme aims to both raise awareness of the issue and provide targeted interventions for students, guided by religious, moral and cultural values.
“These sessions will be implemented comprehensively, with adequate support for the school community, including child protection measures and adherence to existing laws
“The goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed and responsible decisions in their daily lives,” she said.
Schools would also be directed to conduct spot checks much more frequently to ensure no prohibited or dangerous items are brought into school premises, according to Fadhlina.
She said the psychosocial support system for teachers would also be strengthened to ensure their well-being, especially when they are involved in situations requiring immediate support.
Other safety initiatives include a continuous school physical safety audit across all schools nationwide by the ministry, of which 735 schools have been inspected.
A review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for bullying and sexual misconduct cases is also being conducted by the ministry, which would include improvements to the bullying complaint system and increased installation of CCTV systems at schools.
Fadhlina also revealed that more engagement sessions would be held with stakeholders - including students, parents, teachers, and school administrators - before child protection policies are introduced in schools.
“The Deputy Minister, Education Ministry senior management and I will continue meeting with educators and students to listen to and gather feedback on the implementation of these initiatives.
“The ministry will also continuously and intensively evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts every 15 days,” she said.
Fadhlina was responding to a question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN-Temerloh) on the measures being taken to curb the recent occurrence of tragic accidents and crimes in schools.
