Caning remains permitted in Malaysian schools, says Fadhlina

The Malaysian Education Minister, Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, has clarified that caning remains permitted in Malaysian schools for male students under certain circumstances, according to a report by the New Straits Times. Speaking at a press conference, Fadhlina stated that existing regulations allow caning to be administered by the headmaster or principal, or by a teacher expressly authorized by them, and that it must not be arbitrary, carried out in anger, or result in injury.

The minister emphasized that every punishment must have a clear basis and be recorded in accordance with the regulations in force. The clarification came amid renewed calls for stricter disciplinary measures in schools following recent incidents involving students. Fadhlina also mentioned that the ministry has strengthened disciplinary powers in schools as part of 11 additional school safety measures announced in October last year, and is working on enhancing the Student Character System into the Student Disciplinary Misconduct System to prevent disciplinary problems.

Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.