Education Ministry assures boarding schools remain safe amid bullying concerns
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the country's 72 boarding schools (SDPs) remained the preferred choice for many parents despite recent concerns.
"The schools are still safe.
"We are continuously improving safety protocols and strengthening all aspects of the boarding school ecosystem to ensure they remain secure and conducive to learning," she told a press conference here this afternoon.
Her remarks came in response to Kinabatangan member of parliament Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who recently claimed that many parents in Sabah were afraid to send their children to boarding schools due to rising incidents of bullying.
He said bullying had become increasingly rampant, especially in boarding schools — including religious, vocational, and national secondary institutions — and urged the ministry to explore new strategies to address the issue more effectively.
Although Bung did not cite any specific case, his comments are believed to be linked to the recent death of 13-year-old Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir in Papar, Sabah, which has drawn public attention due to its alleged connection to bullying.
Fadhlina said the ministry would not hesitate to implement any necessary measures to enhance student safety.
She also emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive and secure educational environment.
"We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment that will have a lasting positive impact on our children's education," she added.
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