TAWAU: The scope of duties of School Liaison Officers (PPS), appointed by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), should be expanded beyond school compounds to curb gangsterism and violence involving students, says Sabah Minister of Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
He said the move is necessary in light of recent incidents of bullying, misconduct and fights involving students outside school premises.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by reports of 10 male students being detained in Merotai Besar for allegedly being involved in a violent assault that left four teenagers injured, as well as the arrest of a female student in Banting, Selangor, who allegedly stabbed her schoolmate.
“We hope the Royal Malaysia Police will take more decisive action by strengthening the role of School Liaison Officers so they can carry out broader responsibilities beyond the school compound,” he said after officiating the Festival Komuniti Havoc 2026 – World Cup Big Screen Viewing at the Tawau Youth Arena Hall on Tuesday night.
Also present was Balung State Assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abas.
As of now, a total of 164 School Liaison Officers comprising PDRM officers and personnel were appointed in April and deployed to 82 primary and secondary schools across the Tawau and Kalabakan districts this year, with two officers assigned to each school.
Nizam said expanding the officers’ area of responsibility would help close existing gaps that allow students to engage in physical bullying and gangsterism outside the supervision of teachers.
“However, this effort also requires active cooperation from the local community, particularly Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), instead of leaving the responsibility solely to the police.
“When members of the public notice unusual behaviour involving students outside school, they should act immediately by advising them or reporting the matter to the authorities before a serious incident occurs,” he said.
Nizam also urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs), particularly youth organisations, to step up awareness programmes for young people by working closely with schools to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent involvement in negative activities.
He stressed that now is not the time to point fingers, but for all parties to work collectively instead of placing the entire responsibility on the Ministry of Education and the police to address student disciplinary issues both inside and outside school.
On 3 July, a video showing four school students being assaulted by a group of teenagers in Merotai Besar, Tawau, went viral. The incident reportedly occurred outside school while the victims were on their way to a mosque.
Police later confirmed that the victims had lodged a report and that 10 male students believed to be involved were arrested the following day.
In a separate incident on July 7, a female student suspected of stabbing her schoolmate at a secondary school in Banting, Selangor, was remanded by police.
