Kota Kinabalu: The decline in discipline problem among students today is a major challenge in the world of education, says State Community Development and People’s Welfare (KPMKR) Minister Datuk James Ratib.
He said discipline is one of the important components in the school system because it is closely related to the construction of ethics and morals to produce functioning human beings.
“School discipline problems are often referred to as student misbehaviour, breaking rules or deviant behaviour,” he said when officiating a seminar, organised by the Sabah National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), here, Wednesday. His speech was read by KPMKR Deputy Permanent Secretary Maria David Edick who also represented him.
James said students with discipline problems at school usually perform poorly in academics and many studies show there is a correlation between student academic performance and non-compliance with school discipline.
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James said what is even more disturbing is the increasing effects of drug abuse among school students.
“It not only affects their academic achievement but also the formation of character and morals. Therefore, all drug prevention programmes at the school level should be implemented according to their needs,” he stressed.
James said the programmes have a great impact in creating awareness and giving exposure about the dangers of drugs to teacher counsellors in dealing with the drug scourge.
“The problem of drug addiction must be dealt with in an integrated manner and involve all levels of society because we know that among the effects of drugs is crime.
“I am confident that the involvement and commitment of various parties will further strengthen the existing momentum in the school from the drug problem,” he said.
A total of 82 participants from the district education offices throughout the State attended the programme.
James added that all parties should accept the fact that the agenda of the struggle to eradicate drugs from various angles has not yet been completed, while the journey to achieve a drug-free country is still far ahead.
Therefore, he said, in order to realise the vision of a drug-free Malaysia, earnest and precise efforts must be given priority in every anti-drug programme and activity, especially in educational institutions.
“Symptoms of drug addiction are not easy to deal with, but if all parties unite to fight with sincerity and dedication, we will definitely be able to produce an excellent generation from a negative culture.”
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