Comprehensive Study On Social Issues In Schools Underway - Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The government is conducting a comprehensive study on social issues in schools, said MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi, also the Communications Minister, said the study is being carried out by a special committee and its report will be presented to the Cabinet, which will decide on the follow-up actions that need to be taken.

"A comprehensive study on the issues faced by schools will be undertaken by a special committee, whereby the report will be prepared soonest as possible,” he told a media conference following the Cabinet meeting here today.

He said the Cabinet also agreed that there was a need to increase police presence in schools.

"The presence of police personnel will indicate that our schools are a safe place… the Home Ministry will issue a full statement after this,” he said.

Fahmi said the Education Ministry will also announce a directive that spot checks in schools be carried out more frequently.

"The Education Ministry will also issue a guideline for schools to implement weekly spot checks,” he said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Cabinet proposed that the police, as well as the Home Ministry, enhance security monitoring in schools.

He added that the Cabinet meeting today focused on educational matters, disciplinary issues in schools and the concerns of most families.

The country has been rocked by several tragic incidents in schools of late, including that of a Form Four girl being fatally stabbed by a 14-year-old schoolmate at a secondary school in Selangor and the gang rape case involving four Form Five boys and a Form Three girl in Melaka.

-- BERNAMA