Education minister: Pupil protection policy clarifies roles, does not burden teachers

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced the School Pupil Protection Policy, which aims to clarify roles and responsibilities rather than placing sole responsibility for pupil safety on teachers. The policy sets out structured guidelines for actions to be taken by various stakeholders when concerns arise about pupil safety and welfare.

Teachers are urged to report their concerns immediately to administrators upon receiving a complaint or having reasonable suspicion, without waiting for complete evidence. The Ministry of Education will intensify engagement sessions and briefings to address educators' concerns and clarify their roles, involving external agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police and Social Welfare Department.

Once a report is lodged, the case will be coordinated, and appropriate action will be determined based on its nature and severity, including referral to relevant authorities if necessary. Fadhlina emphasized that the policy aims to prevent pupils from suffering repeated trauma due to improper case handling and does not intend to find fault or turn teachers into scapegoats.