The Malaysian Community Crime Care Organisation (MCCC) has urged the government to make CCTV cameras and bag inspections compulsory at all schools nationwide following a series of violent incidents involving students.
MCCC Pahang chairman Daniel Khoo said it was time for Malaysia to introduce stronger school security measures, arguing that waiting until after incidents occur is no longer enough to protect students and staff.
He said CCTV systems should be installed not only inside classrooms but also along corridors, staircases, entrances, walkways, toilets and other areas frequently used by students.
“Wherever students move within the school compound, CCTV surveillance is important,” he said.
Khoo explained that CCTV footage would not only assist police investigations if incidents occur, but could also deter crime by making potential offenders aware that their movements are being recorded.
He also stressed that schools should ensure complete CCTV coverage to eliminate blind spots that could hinder monitoring or investigations.
According to Khoo, investing in better security infrastructure should not be viewed as an unnecessary expense but as a vital measure to safeguard the lives of students, teachers and school employees.
In addition to CCTV, he proposed that all schools introduce standard operating procedures requiring security personnel to inspect students’ bags before they enter school grounds.
He said the checks would help prevent dangerous items such as knives or other weapons from being brought onto school premises.
“Some people may think these measures are too strict, but the bigger priority is student safety. Prevention is always better than reacting after a tragedy,” he said.
Khoo also stressed that physical security alone is not enough, urging parents, teachers and guardians to pay closer attention to students’ emotional well-being.
He encouraged adults to watch for warning signs such as sudden withdrawal, isolation, anger, loss of interest in daily activities or significant changes in behaviour.
Rather than assigning blame after a tragedy, Khoo said society should focus on understanding why such incidents happen and identifying weaknesses that need to be addressed to prevent future cases.
“MCCC believes prevention begins with communication, compassion and a willingness to listen. Sometimes, one sincere conversation can change a child’s life,” he added.
His remarks come after a recent incident in Banting, Selangor, where a student was reportedly stabbed and injured by a teenage girl at a school, raising fresh concerns over safety in educational institutions.
