Security firms must be responsible for background checks of personnel stationed at schools

THE system in place to prevent sexual criminals and those who endanger children from acquiring jobs in schools has significant flaws, as evidenced by the recent case of suspected murder and arson by a school guard in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.

In the aftermath of the brutal rape and murder of a 17-year-old schoolgirl in Teluk Kumbar in October 2015 by a school security guard with a criminal record, the 2004 gang-rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl by a security guard in Gelang Patah, and other unreported incidents, and despite promises that hiring procedures for school guards would be tightened, parents are still constantly fearful that there may be other sex offenders cleared by security agencies to work as school security guards.