Education Ministry to carry out safety audit at all schools with immediate effect
In a statement Monday (Aug 11), the ministry said the audit will focus on compliance with all standard operating procedures (SOP) related to safety aspects.
'The audit report will be presented to the Education Ministry's top management within three months,' the statement read.
The Education Ministry also said that it is taking important steps to ensure that safety issues in all educational institutions under its purview are preserved.
This includes making improvements to the school safety SOP and measures to address disciplinary issues, including bullying offences.
'The existing complaints system, including the Bullying Complaints Portal, will be reformed.
'It will be simplified and will include an anonymous option to protect the identity of complainants and witnesses,' the statement read.
An Education Ministry educational institution safety reform committee will also be established to ensure safety measures are strengthened.
'Members of this committee will include academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), experts from various fields, the police, and representatives from the Parents, Community and Private Sector Involvement (PIBKS),' it said.
The Education Ministry also said that there will be no compromise on bullying offences and firm action must be taken, including suspension and expulsion from school.
'The 'Bangkit Bermaruah' intervention programme, focusing on community service and character development, will be introduced specifically for students who are suspended from school.
'Administrators, teachers, as well as officers at district education offices and state education departments who fail to manage bullying complaints in accordance with existing guidelines will face disciplinary action,' the statement added.
Psychosocial support, the Education Ministry said, will continue to be strengthened at every level to ensure the well-being of students, teachers, and the entire school community.
'Guidance and counselling teachers play an important role in prevention and intervention efforts to address bullying offences.
'At the same time, the Education Ministry calls on all parties to work together to address bullying in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
'Creating a safe school ecosystem is our shared responsibility,' the statement read.
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