442 secondary school students expelled this year: Edu Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 442 secondary students have been expelled from schools so far this year, the parliament was told by Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
The Education Minister said the expulsion was needed to ensure a "balance" between the teaching and learning environment in schools.
"There are 5.1 million primary and secondary students throughout the country, and from 2,400 secondary schools all over Malaysia, some 442 secondary students have been expelled.
"Although the number is relatively small, the ministry feels that needs to be done to ensure the balance between the teaching and learning environment in schools," Mahdzir said during question time.
Mahdzir reiterated that the ministry will put forth the "human capital development" agenda for every student and expulsion will be the last resort for the ministry to do.
"I note that a human capital development is very vital for the students.
"Thus the ministry's approach is that we will consider expulsion as the last resort. That's why the element of counseling is very important in schools," he said.
He said currently there are 640 students in eight prisons and four Henry Gurney schools all over the country.