PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry will carry out a comprehensive review on safety aspects and compliance with procedures at schools, says Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said she had instructed the Inspectorate of Schools to immediately conduct an audit to identify any non-compliance.
The directive came following calls from political leaders for an immediate and transparent investigation into the death of a Form Two student at a sports school in Kuala Pilah.
“We would provide full cooperation to the police to ensure that the investigation is conducted in a thorough and transparent manner.
“No party will be protected if misconduct or breaches of the law are found.
“Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and in accordance with existing laws,” she said.
Earlier, Fadhlina visited the school to meet the staff, officers from the district and state Education Department, as well as the police, to obtain information about the incident and actions that had been taken.
The minister said she had also met the victim’s family at the hospital to personally convey her condolences.
The ministry has also provided counselling and psychosocial support services to his family and the school community affected by the incident.
Muhammad Idlan Fareeq Shahril, 14, was found unconscious at the school hostel on Friday before being taken to Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah where he was pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said he was saddened by news of the student’s death, who was alleged to have been a victim of bullying.
“The case must be investigated immediately and transparently, and firm action must be taken!” he said in a Facebook post.
Bersatu vice-president Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Jidin also called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegation.
“The authorities must conduct a thorough investigation in the interest of justice for the student and his family,” he said in a post on Threads.
Parti Wawasan Negara secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said the government, particularly the Education Ministry, must take immediate and firm action to address bullying in schools.
He said the incident raised serious questions about the level of safety for students in schools.
Saifuddin said schools should be the safest places for children to learn, rather than places where they are exposed to violence and bullying.
“The government must act firmly. Do not wait until more lives are lost,” he said.
