IPOH: There is no “kapla” or gangsterism culture in boarding schools in Perak, says Khairudin Abu Hanapiah.
The Perak education committee chairman said cases of bullying in schools did not stem from such a culture but were mostly due to misunderstanding or dissatisfaction between students.
Khairudin also said that there has been a drop in bullying cases in schools in the state, with 49 cases reported as of August this year, compared to 85 cases last year.
“The cases reported are not serious incidents, involving cases in hostels, outside of schools and in schools,” he said when replying to Berhanudin Ahmad (PN-Manong) and Norhaslinda Zakaria (PN-Pangkor) during the question and answer session at the state assembly sitting here on Tuesday (Sept 9).
Khairudin said to ensure bullying cases in schools or hostels are deterred, several actions have been taken, including empowering the role of hostel wardens.
“The ratio of wardens to pupils is at least three with an additional warden for every 50 pupils.
“Wardens on duty need to fill in a log book according to format based on safety, cleanliness and discipline,” he said, adding that wardens who have resigned must be replaced immediately.
He also said that rules must be displayed clearly so that all pupils are aware of them.
“Hostels must also have complaint boxes that are easily accessible by all,” he said.
“Meetings will also be held with wardens at least once every two months,” he added.
Other initiatives included criminal and sexual bullying advocacy programmes in schools, talks with police, psycho-social support and counselling.
“Wardens and hostel teachers have also been tasked to identify pupils that show a change in behaviour such as self-isolation, depression or showing fear, which are initial signs of potentially being bullied,” he said.
