CCTV cameras installed at 333 boarding schools this year

In Malaysia, the education ministry has announced plans to install CCTV cameras in 333 boarding schools this year, with an additional RM5 million allocated for the initiative. The move aims to enhance student monitoring and safety, particularly to combat bullying. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that 300 MySTEP warden assistants were deployed in April to assist in monitoring students, especially during nighttime hours.

The minister expressed empathy for parents' concerns regarding bullying incidents, acknowledging her own experience as a mother whose child once lived in a hostel within the same education system. She highlighted that the ministry has implemented various measures over the years, along with recent enhancements in response to ongoing concerns.

To address bullying, the ministry has strengthened its complaint system with an anonymous reporting function on the MOE Bullying Complaint Portal, ensuring protect the identities of those who come forward. The S.A.F.E. Framework, encompassing prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation, has also been bolstered through peer support groups and focused counseling.

Character education, emphasizing values such as integrity and empathy, will be integrated into the 2027 school curriculum. The ministry is working with the legal affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department to draft the Anti-Bullying Act 2026, which will provide legal recourse for victims through an anti-bullying tribunal.

Guidelines on managing bullying misconduct were introduced in 2023 to serve as an official reference for schools in handling complaints, investigations, disciplinary actions, and interventions. However, Fadhlina emphasized that the ministry must continuously evaluate and address any shortcomings to ensure the safety and well-being of students. She concluded, "As long as there is a child who does not feel safe at school, our work is not yet done."