GEORGE TOWN: School administrators, district education offices and state education departments must act on complaints involving sexual misconduct and report such cases immediately, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
"I want all district education offices to be alert to such cases and not wait until they go viral before taking action," she told reporters after presenting the approval letter for the construction of a new building for SJKC Heng Ee here on Saturday (June 13).
She dismissed claims that action was only taken after allegations that a teacher had sexually harassed a student in Lawas, Sarawak, went viral on social media.
Fadhlina said the public should report such incidents directly to the authorities instead of relying on social media.
"Reporting to the authorities is the action that must be taken. Action must be immediate because children must be protected," she said.
On a separate case involving allegations that a Year Six pupil in Perlis was bullied to the extent of suffering serious injuries, Fadhlina said investigations were ongoing.
"We do not compromise on such matters. The case has been referred to the authorities, and the ministry is also conducting its own internal investigation," she said.
Fadhlina also said that teachers, particularly discipline teachers, must be protected while carrying out their duties.
"Our teachers have the right to be protected under the law while exercising their responsibilities. We have reporting and investigation mechanisms within the ministry and through the authorities to ensure such incidents are handled appropriately," she said.
Fadhlina said the ministry had recently introduced the Safe School Management Guidelines and Student Protection Policy, which outline the responsibilities of schools, teachers and other stakeholders in safeguarding students.
"The guidelines and policy provide assurances and clear responsibilities for all parties involved in the care and protection of children. They will be implemented in all schools nationwide," she said.
