SHAH ALAM, July 15 — The Selangor government will study recommendations to install security scanners at schools to detect sharp weapons and improve student safety, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said any decision must consider the high costs and maintenance of such machines.
“We will follow up later because the costs are quite high. Maybe we will see if there is a need.
“Maintenance of the system requires support from parents, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and schools. If PTAs and schools have the capability, I welcome efforts to introduce scanners such as those used at a secondary school in Damansara Utama,” he told a press conference after launching Phase 2 of Ambulans Kita Selangor at the State Secretariat Building here today.
Touching on the stabbing of a Form 3 girl at a Banting school last week, Amirudin said his office will hear a presentation on the incident from the Selangor State Education Department (JPNS), which will table a report to the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) soon.
“JPNS will table the report to MTES to allow the state government to study follow-up steps, including efforts to address mental health issues that could contribute to bullying or undesirable criminal acts.
“We will wait for a supporting paper from JPNS. The state government is ready to help through existing networks, especially in improving community, including youth, awareness on mental health symptoms and issues,” he said.
On July 6, a Form 3 girl was stabbed several times on her back, shoulder and face by an assailant at a school in Banting. The victim was rushed to Banting Hospital for treatment, where she underwent surgery.
The suspect, also a teenage girl, is believed to have entered the school through the main gate. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a black T-shirt and red-and-black checkered pants.
