Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said her ministry has never delayed investigations into student safety.
Fadhlina said the ministry prioritised student safety and well-being, and every case was promptly investigated to determine its cause and identify areas for improvement.
Fadhlina also referred to the case of a student allegedly falling from the third floor of a school dormitory in Sabak Bernam, Selangor.
“In this case, a report was promptly lodged with the police, who opened an investigation paper under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001 and conducted inquiries involving all relevant parties.
“The Education Ministry also extended full cooperation throughout the investigation process, including placing the school principal, senior assistant for student affairs, and chief warden at the Sabak Bernam District Education Office in Selangor until the investigation is completed.
“The latest report stated that the student is recovering well, has been discharged from hospital, and is now at home,” Fadhlina said in a parliamentary written reply to Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau).
Fadhlina said several measures are being implemented to ensure compliance of school dormitory safety rules.
She said the ministry had established a Special Committee on Education Institution Safety Reform to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“This committee includes academic experts, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and strategic partners such as the National Union of the Teaching Profession and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
“They are also working with local universities to improve the Safe School Programme. Since Aug 19, the ministry has conducted safety audits nationwide covering full boarding schools, daily boarding schools and regular day schools.
“Up to Sept 26, 735 schools have been audited, focusing on SOP compliance, complaint records, warden duty rosters, night lighting, and CCTV installation.”
She said her ministry has allocated RM3 million to install CCTVs at 200 hostels starting Oct 13, while carrying out surprise night inspections and increasing the number of wardens.
Fadhlina said that as of October, 3,752 school administrators had undergone safety and discipline management training, including counselling, legal literacy and the concept of in loco parentis — teachers’ duty as guardians.
She said the ministry was also strengthening cooperation with parent-teacher associations and police to enhance safety monitoring.
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