NST Leader: Schools need stronger safeguards against violence

Schools and hostels are meant to protect students, yet recent incidents in Malaysia have revealed that violence can occur within these very institutions. A 14-year-old boy died after being found unconscious at a school hostel in Kuala Pilah, while a 16-year-old schoolgirl was found dead in a school hall in Yong Peng, with three male schoolmates detained as suspects.

These tragedies highlight that schools and hostels should be safe havens for children but are not immune to violence. Between 2021 and 2025, the Education Ministry's Student Discipline System recorded 21,307 bullying cases across Malaysian schools. While each incident may have distinct causes, such as bullying, hazing, peer violence, or failures in supervision, a common thread is the potential for escalation when warning signs are neglected, complaints are disregarded, or supervision falls short.

Specifically in boarding schools, a culture of seniority can foster intimidation, hazing, and peer-enforced punishment, sometimes normalized as a rite of passage. The recent order for a comprehensive review by the Education Ministry, with instructions to not withhold any information, is a positive step. However, mere investigations following tragedies are insufficient.

A systematic review is needed to examine how schools identify risks, respond to complaints, and safeguard students before violence occurs. Strengthening school safety measures and safeguards should be a priority. This includes conducting thorough safety audits of schools, reviewing CCTV coverage for blind spots, enhancing access controls, monitoring attendance, and increasing supervision of students.

The education minister's directive must be turned into action. Identifying risks within schools and hostels early is crucial, and schools must maintain an environment conducive to learning and safety, not one where violence is accepted as normal.