The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced an additional RM5 million allocation for the installation of CCTV cameras at selected schools nationwide, as part of immediate efforts to enhance safety and prevent untoward incidents within educational institutions.
In a statement today, MOE said the new funding compliments the initial RM3 million allocation announced earlier for the same purpose, bringing the total to RM8 million under the ministry’s ongoing safety enhancement initiative.
Strengthening Safety and Support in Schools
The ministry also announced several measures to improve student welfare and reinforce the psychosocial support systems in schools. Beginning November 2025, a total of 10,096 new teachers, including more than 500 Guidance and Counselling Teachers, will be deployed nationwide to meet current needs and enhance mental and emotional support for students
For fully residential schools, MOE will appoint 600 full-time Hostel Warden Assistants from among MySTEP personnel to improve safety monitoring and reduce the workload for existing wardens.
In addition, MOE said cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will be strengthened through the School Harmony Committee, and the role of School Liaison Officers, who will assist in implementing safety monitoring at educational institutions.
The ministry is also enhancing the function of the Smart Support Team at both the state education department and district education office levels to provide psychosocial support during crises. Teachers will continue to receive ongoing training to ensure preparedness in handling emergencies.
Empowering School Leadership and Student Voices
MOE said the authority of principals, headmasters, and school disciplinary committees will be reinforced in managing disciplinary cases, including the power to cane, suspend or expel students in accordance with existing regulations.
These school leaders may also delegate disciplinary authority to designated teachers as necessary, pending the revision of the current student disciplinary regulations. The ministry added that the Student Character Development System (SSDM) will be upgraded to be more proactive in managing disciplinary issues and follow-up actions. Meanwhile, the student voice box initiative which encourages open feedback from student and teachers, will be expanded, aligning with UNICEF’s advocacy on child participation.
Focus on Mental Health and Child Protection
The ministry is also finalising the Child Protection Policy to safeguard students from abuse and neglect, while working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to enhance mental health screening programmes for students from Year One to Form Six.
These screenings will be complemented by ongoing intervention and psychosocial support programmes to ensure early detection and holistic care for students well-being.
Sources: The Malaysian Reserve
