What budget measures can enhance school safety beyond physical development?

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Budget 2026 Allocation Can Be Utilised to Enhance School Safety Beyond Physical Development

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has been urged to leverage the allocation from Budget 2026 for initiatives that extend beyond physical infrastructure to bolster school safety. Proposals include implementing a data-driven monitoring system for bullying and misconduct, equipping teachers with skills to identify behavioural issues, making empathy modules compulsory, increasing counselling staff, installing CCTV, and enforcing stricter policies against offenders. These measures aim to address the rising numbers of bullying and serious crimes recorded in educational institutions.
Data-Driven Monitoring and Teacher Training for Behavioural Issues

A key recommendation is the introduction of a data-driven monitoring system designed to track instances of bullying and student misconduct. Concurrently, there is a proposal to enhance teachers' capabilities by training them to recognise early indicators of behavioural problems, enabling proactive intervention. These steps are intended to create a more responsive and preventative environment within schools.
Increased Support Staff and Mandatory Empathy Modules

To address the escalating social issues among youth, it is proposed that the number of counselling teachers and psychology officers be augmented to achieve a ratio of at least one counsellor for every 200 students. Furthermore, the integration of mandatory modules focused on empathy and compassion is suggested to foster a more supportive school culture. These initiatives are a direct response to the concerning statistics on bullying and other serious offences.
Enhanced Surveillance and Stricter Enforcement Policies

The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in schools has been proposed as a measure to improve surveillance and deter criminal activity. Alongside this, there is a call for firm and prompt action against individuals implicated in criminal cases occurring on school grounds, including administrative staff and principals. The enforcement of a 'you touch, you go' policy, which entails immediate prosecution of offenders, is advocated to send a clear message against bullying.
Comprehensive Screening for School Personnel

A proposal has been put forward to mandate screening for all individuals working within school premises, including teachers, security, and cleaning staff. This screening process would be similar to Australia's Working with Vulnerable People initiative. The aim is to ensure that all personnel are vetted, thereby enhancing the overall safety and security of the school environment and restoring parental confidence in the national education system. The Dewan Rakyat Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development is set to convene a hearing with the MOE and PDRM to discuss these school safety concerns.

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What budget measures can enhance school safety beyond physical development?

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