PUTRAJAYA: Caning remains a necessary form of punishment in Malaysia’s education system, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said the goal of education is to nurture, inspire and humanise learners, but discipline is vital to ensure a conducive environment.
“We must have some form of punishment in the context of enforcement,” she said on Thursday (Oct 23).
She said Malaysia continues to face international scrutiny for retaining corporal punishment in schools.
“Corporal punishment, or the rotan, is still allowed under Malaysian law and governed by a strict SOP,” she said.
She added the ministry is responsible for protecting teachers who follow the SOP.
“We must take care of our teachers as well. Currently, two teachers are facing court cases for caning their students,” she added.
She said this is one of the ongoing challenges under existing laws.
In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 22), the ministry said principals, headmasters and discipline committees will have strengthened roles.
It said existing rules allow caning, suspension and expulsion where appropriate.
“Principals and headmasters may delegate authority to teachers to discipline students. The ministry is reviewing and revising student discipline regulations,” it said.
