Caning alone will not solve the problem

THE recent gang rape case involving school students in Melaka has reignited calls to reinstate caning in schools. While discipline is crucial, corporal punishment alone cannot address the deeper causes of such disturbing behaviour.

The real issue begins at home. When parental supervision, moral guidance, and emotional support are lacking, children grow up without empathy or respect for others. Exposure to explicit online content, peer influence, and the absence of strong role models further worsen the situation.

Teachers should indeed be empowered to maintain discipline, but this authority must come with clear boundaries and proper training. We need educators who are firm yet fair, capable of guiding rather than punishing blindly. Discipline should be a means of correction, not humiliation.

More importantly, prevention must be our focus. Schools should strengthen moral and civic education, implement comprehensive sex education that emphasises consent and respect, and provide counselling for at-risk students. Collaboration among parents, teachers, and community leaders is vital in rebuilding a culture of accountability and compassion.

Caning may deter wrongdoing temporarily, but it does not nurture conscience. To prevent such tragedies, we must address the root causes, not merely the symptoms.

NORASYIKIN ABDUL MALIK

Lecturer

Academy of Language Studies,

Universiti Teknologi Mara (Perak Campus)