PETALING JAYA: With violence in schools becoming a worrying trend, students need more mental health support, with behavioural changes being regularly monitored, say experts.
Regular screening of schoolbags is also needed, they say.
At least 10% of students should be monitored in all schools as a benchmark in assessing mental health levels, said National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon.
“If you want to tackle potential violence in school, psychological tests are needed, while behavioural changes should be monitored.
“If there are 1,000 students, 100 should be monitored by counsellors and discipline teachers.
“We also cannot allow students to go out while class is in session. If one goes out, another student must accompany him to prevent anything untoward happening.”
Fouzi was commenting on the death of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, after she was allegedly stabbed by a 14-year-old schoolmate at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4, Petaling Jaya. The authorities seized two knives and a kerambit from the suspect.
ALSO READ: Reeling but slowly healing
On the use of metal detectors in schools, Fouzi said it would be quite impossible to have them in every school across the country.
“Certainly the stabbing incident is of grave concern, but we cannot assume it will happen in every school.
“Many schools already lack other basic equipment and facilities, which must be prioritised.
“These include tables, chairs and sports equipment, as well as building and toilet maintenance,” he said.
Fouzi also pointed out that a metal detector would require maintenance, which would raise costs and increase the workload for teachers and security guards.
Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said that one month after the tragic stabbing, parents are still grappling with fear and heartbreak – but the response must go beyond fear-based measures.
“Regular bag checks can work if they are done sensitively and with parental consent, but schools must not feel like security zones.
“Children learn best in environments built on trust, not suspicion. Installing metal detectors might deter danger, but it also sends a message that schools are unsafe.”
Azimah added that early intervention, empathy and counselling – not punishment – are what truly keep our schools safe.
Child and adolescent psychologist Katyana Azman from Pantai Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, said teachers and school counsellors should pay close attention to those struggling to regulate intense emotions and have explosive reactions.
“They should also watch for those who internalise their emotions and withdraw into themselves or children who suddenly display drastic changes in behaviour.
“These three patterns often indicate children who may be at higher risk of losing control when situations escalate,” she said.
Beyond school settings, Katyana said parents play a crucial role in building emotional safety and empathy.
Meanwhile, consultant psychiatrist and Malaysian Mental Health Association president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj emphasised the necessity of collaboration between the Education and Health Ministries as well as mental health organisations to develop effective policies.
“If necessary, external trainers and facilitators can be brought in to support the process, with activities focusing on anger management and conflict resolution.”
The state government has said it is implementing immediate safety measures at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4, including deploying metal detectors, expanding CCTV coverage, and introducing a smart notification system.
