December 4, 2025
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Lawmakers have urged the Education Ministry (MOE) to channel part of its Budget 2026 allocation not only towards physical development but also towards strengthening safety measures in schools.
Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (GPS–Sri Aman) proposed that the government establish a data-driven monitoring system to track bullying and student misconduct cases. She also called for teachers to be trained to detect early behavioural warning signs and take preventive action.
“Even more worrying, 400 cases of molestation and rape involving minors were recorded last year. These are not just numbers — they reflect the moral and character challenges facing our children,” she said during the debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA–Muar) also voiced alarm over the growing number of serious crimes in schools, citing today’s tragic incident in which a female student was fatally stabbed at a secondary school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.
He proposed installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in schools and taking strict action against those involved in criminal cases within school grounds — including wardens and principals.
Syed Saddiq added that the government must firmly enforce the “you touch, you go” policy against bullying, by ensuring swift action and prosecution of offenders to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH–Balik Pulau), in an interjection during the debate, suggested that all school personnel — including teachers, security guards, and cleaning staff — undergo background checks similar to Australia’s Working with Vulnerable People screening before being employed. He warned that persistent safety concerns could undermine parents’ trust in the national education system.
Meanwhile, Yeo Bee Yin (PH–Puchong), who chairs the Dewan Rakyat Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development, said the committee will summon both the MOE and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for a hearing before tabling a report on school safety in Parliament. — Bernama
