Look beyond guards, CCTV cameras to ensure school safety, govt told

The G25 group of retired civil servants has urged the Malaysian government to adopt a more holistic approach to school safety, moving beyond traditional measures like security guards, CCTV cameras, and disciplinary procedures. In a statement, the group highlighted that these measures, while essential, fail to address the underlying causes of student violence. The group points to the rising pressures faced by children today, including exposure to violence online and through entertainment.

The G25's concerns come in response to a series of violent incidents in Malaysian schools, including the tragic death of a Form 4 student named Irene Sofiya Khairoul Faisal in Yong Peng, Johor. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently disclosed that 5,681 bullying cases were reported in schools during the first eight months of the year. The government plans to allocate an additional RM15 million next year for installing CCTV cameras in 1,000 schools as part of its efforts to enhance student safety.

However, the G25 has expressed skepticism towards the government's reactive approach, which involves announcing new measures following each tragedy. Instead, the group advocates for an independent and comprehensive review of school safety and student well-being, involving stakeholders and experts. This review should examine various aspects of school safety, such as physical security, hostel supervision, CCTV coverage, bullying and disciplinary procedures, mental health support, and the effectiveness of existing policies.

The G25 stresses the urgency of addressing these issues, as children's safety is of paramount importance.