SHAH ALAM, July 10 — The Education Ministry (MOE) is expected to announce new guidelines on school safety and discipline later this year.
The National Union of the Teaching Profession's secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the guidelines have already been prepared but are still under review before being finalised.
This was conveyed during a meeting with the MOE, which he attended about two weeks ago.
"The ministry has prepared a new set of guidelines; however, they have not yet been released because they are still being reviewed at the highest level. We also need to examine and assess these new guidelines.
"I have not yet been able to study the changes in full because they have not been finalised. InsyaAllah (God willing), they are expected to be issued this year after taking into account the views of various stakeholders and once they have been signed off by the minister," he told Media Selangor.
Fouzi added that one of the key areas under review is strengthening safety measures in schools following several recent incidents, including the case of a student who was stabbed at a school in Banting on Monday (July 6).
The MOE is also considering proposals to tighten controls over vehicle access, student movement routes, and other safety procedures to reduce the risk of untoward incidents.
"For example, following the accident the other day, there may be designated periods during which unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed to enter school grounds, alongside improved student walkways and stricter vehicle speed controls within school compounds," he said.
Fouzi noted that schools must also raise their level of vigilance by paying closer attention to students identified as at risk or as subjects of disciplinary action.
Information about students who have been suspended from school, including the duration of their suspension, should be shared with all teachers, security personnel, and parents so that immediate action can be taken if the students enter the school compound.
"The number of at-risk students is not large, perhaps around three per cent of the total student population in a school. Nevertheless, this group requires attention.
"If a student has been suspended from school, all teachers, security personnel and parents should be informed so that everyone is better prepared should any untoward incident occur," he said.
However, Fouzi believes that conducting spot checks alone may not necessarily prevent every incident, as students intent on bringing weapons into school may find other ways to evade inspection.
"These are isolated incidents, but we must remain vigilant because the risks are increasing," he said.
