Universities told to enhance safety rules following dorm murder
In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry remained committed to ensuring institutions of higher learning provide a safe and conducive environment for students, both on and off campus.
Zambry said under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555), the chief executive of every private university is responsible for overseeing student welfare, discipline, administration and academic affairs in an orderly and accountable manner.
'To enhance safety standards, the ministry has begun enforcing two existing guidelines – the Off-Campus Student Management Guidelines introduced in 2021 and the Private Higher Education Institutions Premises Standards and Guidelines issued in 2023.
'They serve as references for all institutions to improve the safety and comfort of student accommodation, particularly for those residing off campus.'
Following the incident, the ministry has instructed all institutions to fully implement the guidelines.
It has also proposed the establishment of structured Off-Campus Student Management units at larger institutions or the appointment of dedicated officers to handle student housing matters on smaller campuses.
In addition, institutions are encouraged to engage regularly with community stakeholders such as the Rukun Tetangga, community crime watch groups, joint management bodies and the police to strengthen monitoring and security efforts.
Zambry said the ministry also recommends that off-campus student housing be managed on a block basis to avoid mixed occupancy with the general public. This would make it easier to monitor and respond to potential threats. Other measures include improving lighting in high-risk areas, increasing the number of CCTVs, hiring more security personnel and mapping out accommodation zones with elevated safety risks.
'Student welfare is a shared responsibility involving the ministry, campus administrators, enforcement agencies and local communities. The government will not compromise on student safety.'
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