The Education Ministry has issued a fresh reminder to schools nationwide to strengthen safety measures following a series of recent incidents involving students falling from school buildings.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stressed that while each case involved different circumstances, student safety must remain a top priority and cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Kalvi Madani programme at SJKT Jalan Yahya Awal, Johor Bahru, Fadhlina said the ministry had already taken proactive steps by introducing updated school safety guidelines earlier this month.
She emphasised that the guidelines are mandatory and must be fully implemented by all school administrators without exception.
“I want to remind all school administrators once again to strengthen safety measures at the school level, especially those involving students,” she said.
Fadhlina added that safety awareness should not be limited to school management alone, but must involve teachers, parents and students working together to create a safer learning environment.
She said reminders on safety should be communicated regularly, while students should be educated daily on the importance of adhering to safety procedures within school compounds.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of two similar incidents reported within less than a week.
On Monday, a Form One student was reported to be in critical condition after falling from a building at a secondary school in Ipoh.
Just days earlier, a Form Four student died after falling from a school building in Sendayan, prompting renewed concerns over school safety and student welfare.
Beyond physical safety, Fadhlina said mental health remains a key focus area for the ministry, with ongoing efforts to identify and support students who may require assistance.
She revealed that schools are conducting mental health screenings and strengthening the role of school counsellors to provide early intervention when warning signs emerge.
“If there are any indications that a student may need help, the school community must intervene immediately,” she said.
Fadhlina also urged parents to play a more active role by monitoring their children’s emotional wellbeing and maintaining close cooperation with schools.
She stressed that safeguarding students involves both physical and mental health, adding that continuous collaboration between families and educators is essential to ensuring children receive the support they need.
The ministry said it will continue monitoring safety issues closely and issue further reminders when necessary to ensure schools remain safe environments for all students.
