Kota Kinabalu: Student safety can no longer be taken lightly, said Upko Wanita Chief Mohina Ronnie Sidom, calling for stronger security at schools nationwide.
She said this in reaction to the death of a 16-year-old girl who was found dead at a school in Yong Peng, Johor, recently. Police are probing the case as murder.
The case comes after another student death in Negeri Sembilan last month, which raised serious questions about student safety and welfare in schools.
The unresolved case of Zara Qairina and the fatal stabbing of a schoolgirl in Selangor in October last year continue to trouble the public.
Mohina said more comprehensive preventive action was needed, particularly better security at schools, including more frequent patrols by security guards.
“If necessary, the number of security guards in schools should be increased, including the deployment of auxiliary police.
“Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras should also be installed more widely in school areas, especially in locations identified as high risk or poorly monitored,” she said in a statement, Sunday.
She said the measures were not meant to create an overly restrictive school environment but to prevent incidents and help the authorities should one occur.
Mohina also urged that awareness campaigns on bullying, violence, personal safety, mental health and student well-being be carried out continuously, and not only after an incident.
“Students must understand their right to be in a safe environment and be encouraged to report any threats, harassment or worrying behaviour to teachers and school authorities,” she said.
She also proposed more school counsellors and counselling sessions that are easier for students to access.
Ongoing assessment and monitoring could be strengthened to identify early those who need emotional, psychosocial or counselling support, she said, provided it is done professionally, ethically and without stigmatising students.
“Efforts to safeguard students must involve close cooperation among the ministry, schools, security guards, parents, counsellors, police and the local community,” she said.
