PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry (MOE) is prepared to facilitate efforts by members of the public who wish to help schools repair or upgrade existing closed-circuit television (CCTV) facilities.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said CCTV installations in schools are implemented through various approaches, including funding by Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), collaboration with the private sector, as well as involvement from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at the community level.
“So whatever form of cooperation there is, I think we should not be too strict at the ministry level.
“If people want to help, we should open the door and support them. These are all our schools,” she said.
She said this at a press conference after delivering her 2026 New Year Address at the ministry here this morning.
Fadhlina said school safety is closely linked to the confidence of parents and the public in the ministry.
As such, she said ensuring all CCTV facilities are fully operational is the responsibility of the ministry’s personnel and must be resolved.
To achieve this, she said all parties — including State Education Departments, District Education Offices and school administrators — must ensure that CCTV systems are functioning properly and are well maintained.
Earlier, in her address, she said the ministry must take action to address the issue.
Only 28.9 per cent of schools, including daily schools and fully residential schools, currently have CCTV facilities that are fully operational.
“This is a call for us to act because only 28.9 per cent of school CCTV systems are functioning.
“So how do we answer to the public when only 28 per cent are operational?” she said.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina also urged parents not to be concerned over the ministry’s latest directive requiring all students transferring schools to submit health reports, including mental health assessments and disciplinary records, starting from the 2026 school session.
Acknowledging parents’ concerns, she said the ministry has carried out immediate reforms to provide support for all students, including those with disciplinary issues, mental health concerns or other challenges.
This is to ensure that they are able to begin the school session and receive their right to education with the necessary support, whether they are vulnerable students, those with issues or others.
“So in terms of stigma or safety assurances, if there are any concerns, we ask parents to come forward and provide feedback.
“This will allow us to carry out immediate interventions if anyone feels uncomfortable or unsafe.
“We hope these matters can be discussed at the school level, particularly on how support programmes can be implemented,” she said.
Previously, Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad was reported as saying the directive is among new school safety guidelines to be issued by the ministry to address issues such as bullying, sexual harassment and students’ physical safety.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
