Police have proposed introducing a merit system to reward students who come forward with information on bullying, extortion and drug-related activities in schools.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the proposal was among several measures being considered to strengthen crime prevention efforts following a series of violent incidents involving students.
He said the initiative could encourage students to report misconduct early while creating a safer school environment through a stronger culture of speaking up.
“A merit system is proposed for students who provide information on bullying, extortion or drugs to encourage a reporting culture. Expanding closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage to all schools is also proposed to assist wardens and teachers in monitoring students,” he said.
The proposal comes following several serious cases involving school violence, including the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old female student at a secondary school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, last October. A 14-year-old male student was later charged with murder over the incident.
Other incidents included a 15-year-old female student who was injured after allegedly being stabbed by a classmate at a school in Banting, as well as a case involving a 13-year-old student who allegedly threatened a schoolmate with a penknife in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
Noor Hisam said bullying, whether physical or emotional, remains a major concern as it could have long-term effects on students’ safety and mental well-being.
He also suggested providing specialised training for school security guards to help them identify warning signs, while strengthening the role of Crime Prevention Clubs and school cadet units.
On the role of School Liaison Officers (PPS), Noor Hisam said police officers have been assigned to all 10,255 schools under the Education Ministry, including 2,481 secondary schools and 7,774 primary schools.
He said each PPS officer is required to visit their assigned school at least once a month and work closely with student affairs and discipline teachers to detect potential problems early.
The officers also cooperate with school counsellors, provide awareness briefings during assemblies, attend Parent-Teacher Association meetings and assist with checks on bags and classrooms alongside teachers.
Police patrol units also continue monitoring school areas during operating hours, while boarding schools receive additional patrols at night.
Noor Hisam said the PPS mechanism remains effective in strengthening communication between schools and police, but its success depends on cooperation from school administrators, teachers, parents and the wider community.
He added that students found involved in criminal activities or drug offences would still face legal action according to existing laws.
