Although most schools already had security guards, spot checks were usually carried out by teachers, who might not have specialised security training or suitable equipment to detect concealed objects.
PETALING JAYA: Schools should consider installing scanning machines at their entrances to strengthen security and protect students, said security industry practitioner Datuk Dr Visvanathan Ananthan.
Visvanathan, who has more than two decades of experience in the security industry, including providing security personnel for government schools, said the technology could provide an additional layer of protection by detecting dangerous or prohibited items before they were brought into school compounds.
He said although most schools already had security guards, spot checks were usually carried out by teachers, who might not have specialised security training or suitable equipment to detect concealed objects.
Visvanathan said the proposal was particularly relevant following two recent school stabbing incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old student at a secondary school in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, in October last year.
The second incident occurred in July this year, when a Form Three student at a secondary school in Banting, Kuala Langat, was allegedly stabbed multiple times by another student.
“These incidents show that we need to look at school security from a preventive perspective. We should not wait for something to happen before strengthening security measures.
“Teachers are educators, not security personnel, and we should not expect them to carry out security screening beyond what they are trained or equipped to do. This is why I propose that schools consider appropriate scanning machines at entry points to assist security personnel and teachers in keeping students safe,” he said.
Visvanathan, who is also the managing director of Global Force Security Sdn Bhd, said scanning machines should not be viewed solely as security equipment used at airports, but could also serve a useful purpose in schools.
“If scanning machines are accepted as an important security measure at airports to protect passengers, we should also consider their use in schools to protect our children. The aim is to detect dangerous items early and prevent untoward incidents from happening,” he said.
He said the proposal should be considered seriously following recent incidents of violence in schools, including a fatal stabbing involving a student, which highlighted the need for stronger preventive measures.
He stressed that scanning machines should complement existing security guards rather than replace them, with guards continuing to monitor entrances, control access and respond to security incidents.
“Technology can provide another layer of protection and help security personnel identify potential threats early. It should work together with trained personnel and proper security procedures,” he said.
Visvanathan said scanning machines could be installed according to the security needs and risk profile of individual schools, taking into account factors such as student population and school layout.
He also called for school security guards to receive proper training in access control, emergency response and the handling of security incidents, while schools should strengthen cooperation with the police.
“School safety is a shared responsibility. We need trained personnel, technology and proper procedures to ensure our schools remain safe places for children,” he said.
