Police To Step Up School Patrols Amid Push For Enhanced Student Digital Safety

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Home Affairs Ministry (KDN), through the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will step up patrols and police presence in school areas to support the digital safety policy for students.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this initiative is part of a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention and enforcement.

Another key focus is strengthening the role of School Liaison Officers (PPS) in guiding students on discipline and cybersecurity, alongside intensified safety awareness campaigns in collaboration with the Education Ministry (MOE) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG).

“KDN supports a holistic approach that prioritises youth-friendly mental health support systems in schools and communities, with clear enforcement against device misuse, cyberbullying and digital exploitation,” he said in a statement today.

He also emphasised the need for continuous monitoring and policy adjustments to keep pace with evolving technology.

Additional efforts include engagement with various stakeholders such as MOE, the Health Ministry (MOH), PIBG, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and digital platforms.

“Robust digital literacy education is essential to develop ethical and responsible students in the virtual world. Platform accountability and safety-by-design principles are crucial to ensure technology companies also protect underage users,” he added.

The minister stressed that student digital safety is not merely a school discipline issue but a national responsibility requiring cooperation among the government, educational institutions, parents, communities and the technology industry.

He clarified that these measures aim not to restrict freedom but to safeguard the future of Malaysia’s youth, ensuring they grow up in a safe, disciplined and mentally and digitally healthy learning environment aligned with the aspiration of Malaysia Madani.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the Cabinet’s proposal to ban smartphone use for students aged 16 and below to address school safety concerns.

The ban aims to curb disciplinary problems, negative social media influence and online gaming, which often lead to bullying and criminal behaviour in schools.

-- BERNAMA