Melaka plans to implement 10 student discipline resolutions next year, including caning for bullying and withdrawing aid for truancy, pending ministry approval.
MELAKA: The Melaka state government aims to implement 10 proposed resolutions on student discipline next year, including caning for misconduct like bullying.
State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the proposals are with the Ministry of Education for review.
The resolutions were agreed upon by Parent-Teacher Associations, the community and education partners.
Rahmad said caning would be implemented under strict conditions if approved by the ministry.
“It is not intended as punishment that causes harm but will be carried out under strict conditions, limited to the palms or buttocks and involving only male students,” he told reporters.
He said about 3,000 primary and secondary school students in Melaka were recorded as absent for a day.
The proposed measures include withdrawing eligibility for education assistance like scholarships and bursaries for students involved in truancy.
Rahmad cited lack of motivation, insufficient parental supervision and part-time work as main reasons for truancy.
Some students cited illness but failed to submit medical certificates, he added.
The resolutions were proposed by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh last Saturday.
They resulted from a Special Convention involving the state government, PTAs and partners held on Dec 12 and 13.
