Fadhlina orders halt to school programmes involving freelance speaker

PENANG: Malaysia's Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has put an immediate stop to all school programs involving a freelance speaker following allegations of sexual assault against students on social media. The minister has instructed her ministry to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing the seriousness due to the potential impact on student safety.

Fadhlina urged anyone with relevant information to file a police report, stating that safeguarding children is non-negotiable. Teacher and social media influencer Fadli Salleh alleged on Facebook that the speaker had sexually victimized students, including those from Mara Junior Science Colleges and residential schools. The Kedah education department had reportedly withdrawn permission for the speaker to enter schools in the state, prompting other departments to follow suit.