7 days ago
Report on safety audit in schools out in three months
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry (MOE) will present the findings of a safety audit, including on cases of bullying, in all its educational institutions within the next three months.
Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for disciplinary issues will also be reviewed.
He said the audit report would be presented to the MOE's top management.
"The MOE will take several key measures to ensure the safety of all educational institutions under its supervision.
"This includes improving school safety SOPs and measures to address disciplinary issues, including bullying, in all MOE institutions.
"The existing SOPs and guidelines will be reviewed to ensure they remain relevant to current and future needs.
"The safety audit will be conducted immediately in all educational institutions, including boarding schools and hostels," he said in a statement.
Mohd Azam said the existing complaint system, including the Bullying Complaint Portal, would also be reformed to make it more accessible, adding it would include an anonymous option to protect the identity of complainants and witnesses.
The ministry will also form an Educational Institution Safety Reform Committee to strengthen safety measures.
"The committee will comprise academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), experts from various fields, the police, and the parent-community-private sector involvement (PIBKS) group.
"There will be zero tolerance for bullying. Firm action will 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 suspended from school," he said.
Mohd Azam said administrators, teachers, and officers at district education offices and state education departments who fail to manage bullying complaints according to the existing guidelines would face action.
Meanwhile, psychosocial support will continue to be strengthened at every level to ensure the well-being of students, teachers, and the entire school community.
"Counselling teachers will play a vital role in prevention and intervention efforts to address bullying.
"At the same time, the MOE urges all parties to work together to address bullying comprehensively and in an integrated manner.
"Creating a safe school ecosystem is a shared responsibility," he added.
