Saifuddin Nasution wants schools, police and health authorities to share data on at-risk students

In Kulim on November 7, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and sharing information among the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Ministry of Health (MOH) to tackle various security issues and create a secure school environment. This necessity was discussed during a meeting of the Police-Ministry of Education Consultative Committee last week.

Saifuddin raised the issue of student profiling, highlighting that schools often lack access to health information about students who may require psychiatric treatment, which is held by the Ministry of Health. He made these remarks to journalists after attending a cultural program named 'Semarak Kebudayaan Masyarakat Kedah Bersama PDRM 2026'.

When asked to comment on media reports of the police arresting two teenagers suspected of supplying drugs to a school student in Negeri Sembilan, Saifuddin stressed the importance of collaboration among the three ministries. The school security ecosystem involves around 5.2 million students across 12,000 schools nationwide, underscoring the necessity for integrated actions and information-sharing among the agencies.

Vaping among students has emerged as a concern due to the unknown substances that may be present in vape liquids, complicating police investigations. Saifuddin acknowledged that while the police already collaborate with schools through police liaison officers and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), expanding this collaboration to include the Ministry of Health is crucial. He noted that concerns extend beyond vaping to include issues such as bullying and accidents within school premises.