'Is there a link between end of exams and school violence?' asks MP

KUALA LUMPUR: A member of parliament has questioned whether the rise in school violence is linked to the abolition of national examinations, calling on the Education Ministry to study the matter, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.

Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) said reinstating mandatory national examinations could help students stay more focused on their studies, thereby reducing excessive screen time and exposure to online gaming and harmful content.

“I would like to raise this issue with the Education Ministry, particularly in light of the ongoing reviews on curriculum development and assessment.

“Does the government plan to re-evaluate and reinstate examinations such as UPSR for primary pupils and PT3 for Form Three students, considering recent cases of bullying, murder, and violence in schools?

“Mandatory academic assessments may help students concentrate on learning and reduce their exposure to the influence of video games and social media content,” he said during the 2026 Supply Bill debate today.

He said data from the Student Discipline Record System (SSDM) showed that cases of bullying and school violence rose from 3,883 in 2022 to 7,681 in 2024.

“Many have voiced concern over the surge in such cases, particularly following the recent murder of Yap Shing Xuen at SMK Bandar Utama 4.

“Is there a correlation or causation between the lack of examinations and the increase in bullying and violence?

“Will the ministry conduct a study to determine this?” he asked.

Ramkarpal said that studies have shown a link between exposure to violent online games and aggressive behaviour.

He suggested that while a complete ban on online gaming may not be practical, the ministry could introduce more structured alternatives, such as mandatory co-curricular activities and programmes to instil discipline and curb bullying.

Malaysia abolished PT3 in 2022 and UPSR in 2021.

They have since been replaced by school-based assessments, which are continuous evaluations carried out by teachers during the teaching and learning process.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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