Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening safety in schools and will not compromise on any form of bullying. Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said that efforts to combat bullying required the cooperation of all parties, as well as full compliance with existing guidelines under the Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas (SPI).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong emphasized that the MOE will not tolerate any form of bullying in educational institutions. He stressed that combating bullying is a long-term effort needing the commitment of all parties to ensure a safe and conducive school environment. This statement was made during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara in response to a question from Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin regarding the ministry's measures to enhance school safety and prevent bullying, particularly in light of the tragedy involving Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Wong highlighted that the existing SPIs include SPI Bil. 12/2023 on managing bullying; SPI Bil. 8/2011 on student safety; SPI Bil. 7/2011 on SOP 137 and reporting disciplinary issues; SPI Bil. 4/2002 on implementing the Safe School Programme; and SPI Bil. 9/2000 on student safety during physical education, health, and co-curricular activities. He noted that a safe school environment requires a stable physical, social, and emotional setting for everyone involved.
He also mentioned that this initiative aligns with the MOE's immediate comprehensive action plan, which includes a safety survey of schools conducted by the Special Committee on Educational Institution Safety Reform. This committee was established to address safety and well-being issues for everyone at schools.
The Deputy Minister further explained that nationwide safety audits are conducted, followed by the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and the enhancement of mental health and psychosocial support programmes. To bolster school capacity, 10,096 new teachers were deployed last November, including more than 500 guidance and counselling teachers.
Wong revealed that the ministry allocated RM3 million for the installation of CCTV in 200 school hostels, which was completed by November 19, 2025. He added that the installation would be expanded to another 333 schools with an additional allocation of RM5 million. From 2026, the MOE plans to appoint 600 hostel assistant wardens from MySTEP personnel to strengthen surveillance, particularly at night.
The Deputy Minister concluded by emphasizing that reforms to the school security system would continue to be implemented to ensure more effective and comprehensive bullying prevention.