Kuala lumpur: The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in school hostels will focus on access control and data protection to ensure the safety and privacy of students, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh announced. The footage will be preserved for at least 30 days, adhering to the technical specifications established by the ministry, with clear guidelines on the installation, management, and usage of the system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong addressed a supplementary query from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim (PN-Arau) regarding access to CCTV footage, storage duration, and deletion procedures to maintain student confidentiality. The government has allocated RM3 million for CCTV installation in 200 schools and an additional RM5 million to outfit 333 other schools with hostels, aiming to continually enhance student safety.
Responding to questions about funding for CCTV installation and distributing Jalur Gemilang badges, Wong emphasized that these initiatives serve distinct purposes and do not interfere with other programs, such as those promoting patriotism. Addressing Shahidan's initial question about the procurement method and privacy assurance, Wong noted that installation occurs in phases through open procurement, with technical support from the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Office of the Chief Government Security Officer (CGSO).
Wong reported that 149 of the 200 schools, or 75 percent, have completed CCTV installation. Procurement is executed via the e-Procurement system by schools, the State Education Department (JPN), or the District Education Office (PPD), depending on local needs. CCTV cameras are strategically placed in public areas like main routes, entrances, exits, staircases, corridors, dining halls, study rooms, and isolated zones, while dormitories, toilets, and changing rooms are excluded to protect student privacy, complemented by strengthened warden patrols.
In response to Khoo Poay Tiong's (PH-Kota Melaka) query about maintenance and funding mechanisms, Wong stated that schools are responsible for ensuring system functionality and maintenance according to guidelines and a minimum one-year warranty, with each CCTV set costing up to RM15,000 and funds distributed through schools, JPN, or PPD.
Meanwhile, Wong reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to sustaining Tamil education through inclusiveness, equity, and quality, aligning with the Federal Constitution, the Education Act 1996, and the Malaysian Education Blueprint (PPPM). Tamil national-type schools (SJKT) are protected under existing laws, with initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, modern facilities like science labs, and enhanced teacher development.
'In SJKT, Tamil is the medium of instruction to aid concept comprehension and strengthen mother tongue mastery, while Malay remains a compulsory subject to ensure national language proficiency," Wong said in response to V. Sivakumar's (PH-Batu Gajah) inquiry about a comprehensive policy for sustaining Tamil education, including long-term plans for curriculum enhancement, school facilities, and safeguarding vernacular schools' position within the Federal Constitution and national education goals.