PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said improving school safety was critical to maintaining parents’ and public confidence, after revealing that only 28 per cent of CCTV cameras in schools nationwide were currently functioning.
“Yes, that is why I said that when we talk about school safety, it is a matter of parents’ and the community’s confidence in us. So, if only 28 per cent are functioning, it is our responsibility to resolve it,” she said at a press conference after her 2026 New Year’s Message ceremony.
She clarified that the schools affected involved both Fully Boarding Schools (SBP) and day schools.
Fadhlina said all education authorities had been instructed to ensure existing systems were operational, clarifying that initiatives had already been undertaken to resolve the matter.
“Some were carried out by parent-teacher associations, some through cooperation with the private sector, and some through collaboration with community associations,” she said.
“The Education Ministry has maintenance provisions, and we will ensure they continue to function,” she added.
Additionally, Fadhlina said that the ministry would install an additional 300 CCTV cameras in selected schools nationwide.
The minister said that this expansion must be accompanied by accountability.
“This must go hand in hand with the responsibility to ensure that they truly function,” she said.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina acknowledged complaints from parents over the timing of the Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) disbursement for 2026, with aid to be distributed earlier next year.
Fadhlina also urged parents to make full use of the RM150 allocation.
“I hope parents use this RM150 allocation for school needs and come to school to collect it and meet the teachers, to hear reports and also teachers’ advice regarding our children,” she said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
