GEORGE TOWN: School authorities must act swiftly on complaints of sexual misconduct and report such cases immediately, says Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
The Education Minister said school administrators, district education offices and state education departments must take swift action rather than wait for such incidents to go viral before responding.
“Make a report with the authorities. The response must be immediate because children must be protected,” she said after presenting an approval letter for the construction of a new building for SJK(C) Heng Ee here yesterday.
She also urged the public to not primarily rely on social media.
She was responding to allegations that a teacher had sexually harassed a student in Lawas, Sarawak, and rejected claims that action was only taken only after the case went viral.
On the incident where a Year Six pupil in Perlis was said to have been bullied and suffered serious injuries, Fadhlina said investigations were ongoing.
“The case has been referred to the authorities and the ministry is conducting its own internal investigation,” she said.
Fadhlina also said that teachers, particularly discipline teachers, must be protected while carrying out their duties.
She said the ministry recently introduced the Safe School Management Guidelines and Student Protection Policy, which outline the responsibilities of schools, teachers and other stakeholders in safeguarding students.
