SHAH ALAM, Oct 5 — Caning as a form of punishment in schools has never been abolished, and it has always been permitted according to existing regulations, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
Sinar Harian reported that she said the penalty may be imposed on male students for specific offences; however, its implementation is subject to established procedures and authority.
"It is subject to specific procedures. Punishment cannot be carried out arbitrarily, out of anger, or in a manner that causes injury.
"Every instance of punishment must have a clear basis and be recorded in accordance with prevailing regulations," she said during a media conference at the Parliament building today.
Fadhlina added that the ministry will refine these procedures from time to time to ensure that schools, parents, and the public clearly understand the nature of the punishment.
Speaking on disciplinary issues, she said it has been addressed through 11 supplementary measures aimed at enhancing safety in educational institutions, which have been implemented in stages since October last year.
The measures include clarifying the authority of principals and disciplinary committees to handle disciplinary cases, as well as allowing this authority to be delegated to teachers.
"Every teacher is a discipline teacher, and all disciplinary actions must adhere to established rules and procedures,” Fadhlina said.
Similarly, the ministry has upgraded the Student Character System to the Student Disciplinary Misconduct System to place greater focus on preventing disciplinary misconduct.
"We do not want safety reforms to stop at meetings, minutes, or documents. The changes must be felt by students, teachers, and parents," she said.
