Negeri Sembilan police report a minor increase in student-related crimes, with bullying and sexual offences among the main concerns, but authorities say the situation remains under control.
SEREMBAN: Negeri Sembilan has recorded an almost 0.2% increase in criminal cases involving students compared to last year.
The cases include bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault among schoolchildren.
State police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad described the increase as insignificant and still under control.
He credited continuous monitoring and action by police and the Education Ministry for maintaining stability.
“We take a serious view of violent cases, such as assault and bullying,” Alzafny told reporters after officiating a townhall discussion on bullying prevention.
He revealed that most crimes involve male students from secondary schools based on daily crime reviews.
Police will intensify visits by school liaison officers to educational institutions across the state.
All district police chiefs have been instructed to review and monitor reports concerning schools.
Their main focus remains on awareness, education and instilling noble values to help students assess matters wisely.
Several schools have been identified for joint inspections with the state Education Department and school authorities.
The inspections will focus on hostels, including conducting spot checks.
“This will be implemented immediately, and the schools are chosen based on their requests,” Alzafny said.
He expressed confidence that no schools are covering up crimes to protect their reputation.
During the townhall session, Alzafny attributed the rise in bullying cases to weak home education foundations.
Peer influence and technology or social media exposure were also cited as contributing factors.
Police investigations found most bullies come from overly strict, broken or overly indulgent families.
Wealthy and influential families also featured among the backgrounds of identified bullies.
“Parents may be too strict at home or adopt unsuitable methods to teach their children,” Alzafny noted.
He highlighted how modern parents use gadgets to calm children, providing entertainment from as early as six months.
“Whatever is taught begins from home,” he emphasised.
He suggested that early exposure to technology has reduced children’s time in social environments, contributing to behavioural issues. – Bernama
