KUALA LUMPUR: Installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) in schools and distributing Jalur Gemilang badges are not a 'zero-sum game', says Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that funding for these initiatives does not come at the expense of the other and it is unfair to compare the two.
"I hope no MPs will question the Ministry’s initiative to distribute these Jalur Gemilang last April to foster patriotism. I believe this is a responsibility for all of us.
"As I have emphasised many times before, these initiatives are not a zero-sum game. Implementing one does not mean neglecting others.
"Carrying out one programme with allocated funds does not mean other allocations are ignored," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who asked why the Ministry allocated almost RM9mil for the Jalur Gemilang badges for students compared to RM3mil for installing CCTV to curb bullying.
Shahidan also questioned whether more schools needed CCTV and if more funds should be allocated for this purpose.
To this, Wong said RM3mil has already been allocated for 200 schools to install CCTV, and the government has announced an additional RM5mil for CCTV installation in 333 more schools nationwide.
"This effort will continue for the welfare and benefit of our children," said Wong.
Wong explained that CCTV recordings are stored according to existing standards for at least 30 days, with access strictly managed. Guidelines have been issued to ensure both security and privacy are protected.
The procurement process, he said, is conducted openly through the eProcurement system, guided by a Treasury Circular, and may be handled by state education departments, district education offices, or individual schools as needed.
The supply and installation of CCTV is implemented strategically, involving collaboration across the Education Ministry, agencies, and divisions, including advisory services from the Public Works Department and the Chief Government Security Officer’s Office.
To date, 149 out of 200 schools have completed CCTV installation, achieving a progress rate of 75%.
Regarding CCTV locations, the ministry emphasises balancing student safety with privacy, based on advisory input from the Chief Government Security Officer’s Office (CGSO).
