Call for action: A student representative handing a memorandum to Fadhlina outside Parliament’s gates.
PETALING JAYA: The installation of CCTVs, deployment of new teachers and appointment of full-time hostel assistant wardens are among 11 additional measures the Education Ministry will soon implement to enhance safety and address disciplinary issues among students in all educational institutions under its purview.
In a media statement yesterday, the ministry said an additional allocation of RM5mil has been approved for the installation of CCTV cameras in selected schools nationwide.
“This is in addition to the RM3mil previously allocated for CCTV installation in schools,” it said.
In addition, a total of 10,096 new teachers, including over 500 guidance and counselling teachers, will be assigned to schools nationwide beginning next month.
“This will help meet current needs and strengthen students’ psychosocial support,” the ministry said.
It added that a total of 600 full-time hostel assistant wardens will be appointed through the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme to improve the monitoring of hostel students’ safety and reduce the workload of existing wardens.
“School-level collaboration committees will also be strengthened through cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including the role of school liaison officers.
“PDRM will conduct safety monitoring across all educational institutions under the ministry,” it said.
Other measures include enhancing the function of the “Smart Support Team” at state education department and district education office levels to provide psychosocial assistance during crises.
“Teachers will continue to receive training and exposure to improve their preparedness in handling emergencies in schools.
“The roles of principals, headmasters and school discipline committees in addressing student disciplinary issues will also be strengthened.
“Currently, existing rules and guidelines empower schools to impose disciplinary actions such as caning, suspension and expulsion.
“Principals and headmasters may delegate authority to teachers to discipline students when needed. The ministry is currently reviewing and revising the student discipline regulations,” it said.
The ministry also said that the Student Personality Development System will be reviewed and improved.
“Educational institutions are urged to give special attention to actions that need to be taken to address emerging discipline cases.
“Teachers’ and students’ voices must be heard. Schools should conduct dialogue sessions and discussions with teachers and students to identify their needs and concerns.
“The ‘student voice box’ initiative is aligned with child advocacy recommendations by Unicef,” it said.
The ministry also said that the Child Protection Policy will be finalised soon to ensure the safety and protection of students in schools.
“The Education Ministry, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, will strengthen mental health screening programmes from Year One to Form Six, including continuous intervention and psychosocial support for students,” it said.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to improving safety in educational institutions and addressing student disciplinary issues.
“All parties are urged to work together to realise the goal of creating a safe ecosystem in all educational institutions,” it said.
Meanwhile, students and education activists handed a memorandum on school safety to the Education Minister outside Parliament.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who was accompanied by her deputy, Wong Kah Woh, received the memorandum outside Parliament’s gates.
Several other ministry officials and security officers were also present, Sinar Harian reported.
The participants gathered outside Parliament around 11.20am yesterday after marching from nearby Taman Tugu.
The group waited around 40 minutes for Fadhlina, who briefly discussed the issues in the memorandum with a group representative.
