SHAH ALAM, Oct 16 — The Education Ministry (MOE) will intensify safety audits, strengthen counselling services, and tighten security checks in education institutions under its Safe Schools framework, following distressing cases of student violence, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, Fadhlina said the ministry has expedited its reform plan in response to the gang rape of a Form 5 student in Alor Gajah, Melaka, and the fatal stabbing of a Form 4 student at a school in Petaling Jaya.
“A nationwide school safety audit is also being carried out so these issues are reviewed systematically and comprehensively, to ensure all schools comply with existing regulations and standard operating procedures.
“This includes reviewing SOPs related to bullying and sexual misconduct, as well as reforming the bullying complaint system. This reform is crucial to ensure our children feel safe to lodge complaints, with full protection for the identities of complainants and witnesses.
“Additionally, CCTV installations and programmes providing mental health and psychosocial support are being strengthened,” she said.
The Safe Schools programme’s five key focus areas include mental health, reproductive and social health education (to address sexual violence against children); the prevention of prohibited substances; a child protection policy; teacher care and support; and student voice.
She added that the MOE is reviewing teacher training and counselling modules to enable early detection of emotional distress and behavioural red flags among students.
Reproductive and social health education, she said, will focus on awareness and targeted intervention programmes guided by religious, moral, and cultural values.
“All sessions will be carried out intensively and comprehensively, ensuring students receive the knowledge and skills to make responsible decisions in their daily lives.”
Fadhlina said schools will impose stricter prohibitions on bringing dangerous or banned substances into school compounds, supported by regular inspections and spotchecks with the cooperation of enforcement and school authorities.
On child protection, she said all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and administrators, will participate in engagement sessions before the Child Protection Policy is implemented in all schools.
