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IN the wake of a tragic stabbing incident that claimed the life of a 16-year-old female student, a secondary school in Bandar Utama has introduced enhanced security measures, including the use of handheld metal detectors at its entrance.
Teachers are now conducting morning screenings of students and their school bags in an effort to prevent prohibited or dangerous items from being brought into the school compound.
Images of the new procedures were shared by a user on social media platform Threads, who confirmed that the scenes were genuine and not generated by artificial intelligence.
“In ensuring a safer school environment, the school is now using metal detectors to screen children upon arrival,” the user wrote. “This is aimed at detecting any forbidden items. So children should refrain from bringing phones or vapes to school.”
The post has received wide support from the public, with many describing the move as a necessary step to prevent similar tragedies. However, others stressed that long-term safety solutions must also involve parents.
“Respect to the school for being proactive,” wrote user @nuratiqahlee8.
Another user, @jegha, commented: “Well done to the teachers for doing their best for the safety of the children. But there should be a back-up plan. Perhaps parents could volunteer to help with checks at the school gate?”
User @hadi.a1181 added: “It all starts at home. Parents must monitor their children more closely.”
The school’s decision follows a horrifying incident last Tuesday in which a 14-year-old male student fatally stabbed a female schoolmate in the girls’ bathroom. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, and the suspect is currently remanded for seven days.
Uncontrolled exposure to social media and digital content
Meanwhile, consumer rights group president Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff has linked the increase in youth-related crimes, including the recent rape case in Baling involving three schoolboys, to unregulated exposure to social media and digital content.
“This is getting worrying. Children are being exposed to immoral content far too easily,” said Yusrizal, who leads the Kedah Consumers Association (CAKE). “In the past, we had internet filters that limited access based on age. Now, children can access anything with just one tap.”
He warned that early exposure to social media without proper supervision is contributing to behavioural issues and the rise in sexual crimes and indecent content sharing.
“The digital age has changed how children learn and interact, but overdependence on gadgets has led to serious social consequences,” he said. “Many of the issues we see in schools today stem from these unchecked influences.”
He expressed support for the Communications Ministry’s proposal to introduce guidelines for digital device usage among children and teenagers.
“The use of gadgets should focus on education and character building, not entertainment,” he said. “Children under seven should not have access to devices or the internet, as it can negatively affect their mental and moral development.”
Yusrizal also cited China's example of banning TikTok for children under eight, suggesting Malaysia should explore similar controls.
“Children need real-world interactions, not just virtual ones. We must not let them upload or consume inappropriate content unchecked,” he said. - October 17, 2025
