Mental health, strict prohibition of dangerous and illegal substances, and several other core measures are among five key components of Malaysia’s immediate education reforms aimed at making schools safer for all.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the other focus areas include reproductive and social health education, the Child Protection Policy (CPP), and enhanced guidance and support from teachers.
To ensure swift implementation, all State Education Departments (JPN) and District Education Offices (PPD) have been instructed to enforce these initiatives immediately and efficiently across all 10,243 schools nationwide.
“The Ministry of Education (MOE) will conduct intensive and regular evaluations to measure the effectiveness of these efforts. Monitoring and assessment of all initiatives implemented by schools will be reviewed every 15 days,” she said during the Minister’s Question Time in Parliament today.
Fadhlina added that the Minister, Deputy Ministers, and top MOE officials will continue to engage directly with educators and students to gather feedback on the implementation of these reforms.
She was responding to a question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN–Temerloh), who asked about the ministry’s immediate and comprehensive measures to prevent tragic incidents such as the recent case of a student being sexually assaulted in class, including aspects of physical safety, teacher supervision, effective complaint mechanisms, and psychosocial and legal support for victims.
Breakdown of the Five Key Reform Focus Areas:
- Mental Health
- Strengthening mental health interventions and support systems, particularly for school counsellors and students.
- Collaboration with the Health Ministry (KKM) and strategic partners in mental health to enhance existing programs.
- Reproductive and Social Health Education
- Conducting targeted awareness and intervention programs guided by religious, moral, and cultural values.
- Ensuring sessions are comprehensive and provide students with the knowledge and skills to make sound life decisions.
- Providing strong protection and legal awareness to all members of the school community.
- Strict Prohibition of Dangerous and Illegal Substances
- Enforcing regular and random inspections in schools with cooperation from government agencies, principals, and disciplinary teachers to prevent the entry of illegal or harmful items.
- Child Protection Policy (CPP)
- Engaging all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and administrators, through consultation sessions before full nationwide implementation.
- Emphasizing shared responsibility and accountability for student safety and protection.
- Teacher Well-Being and Student Voice
- Strengthening psychosocial support systems for teachers, especially in high-stress situations.
- Empowering students to express their views, needs, and experiences as their voices reflect their feelings, hopes, and school environment realities.
