MELAKA: The Melaka government hopes to implement all 10 proposed resolutions related to student discipline, character development and well-being, including caning for misconduct such as bullying, next year.
State education, higher education and religious affairs committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the proposals had been submitted to the Education Ministry and are currently under comprehensive review.
"The resolutions were agreed upon collectively by Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), the community and the state's education strategic partners. If there are no objections from the ministry, we plan to implement them next year.
"For instance, caning is not intended as punishment that causes harm but will be carried out under strict conditions, limited to the palms or buttocks and involving only male students," he told reporters after officiating at the Melaka state-level JAIM Kindergarten Appreciation Ceremony for the 2025 academic session, here Tuesday (Dec 16).
Rahmad said about 3,000 primary and secondary school students in Melaka were recorded as absent from school for a day, an issue that needs to be addressed through the proposed education resolutions.
He said the measures include withdrawing eligibility for education assistance such as scholarships, early schooling aid and bursaries for the students involved.
According to him, the main reasons for truancy include lack of motivation, insufficient parental supervision and students choosing part-time work over schooling, while some who cited illness failed to submit medical certificates.
"These measures are among the immediate steps that can be taken to curb truancy, which not only affects students' futures but also has implications for schools," he said.
On Saturday (Dec 13), Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh proposed the 10 key resolutions on student discipline, character and well-being, including the prudent implementation of caning with parental or guardian consent.
The resolutions were the outcome of a Special Convention involving the state government, PTAs, the community and education strategic partners held on Dec 12 and 13. - Bernama
