Johor assembly speaker urges unannounced school inspections to identify safety weaknesses and prevent crimes involving students
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor State Assembly Speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has proposed that state Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin conduct surprise visits to schools.
The Rengit state assemblyman said such unannounced inspections would reveal actual school conditions and ensure continuous safety.
He recommended conducting visits without notifying the Johor Education Department or Ministry of Education.
“Based on my experience, I once visited a school in Kuala Lumpur and was able to enter without any obstacles,” Mohd Puad said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
“But when I visited a rural school in Terengganu, the security guard did not allow me in until I signed the logbook. That is a good example of how school safety can be maintained.”
He made these remarks after Aznan responded to questions about the Johor Student Character Programme and Anti-Bullying Campaign.
Mohd Puad expressed concern about increasing student safety issues, noting that crimes involving school students previously seen abroad now occur in Malaysia.
He believes surprise visits can help authorities identify unreported weaknesses and strengthen preventive measures.
Earlier, Aznan announced the formation of a special ‘Johor Safe Zone’ Committee involving several state executive councillors to maintain school safety.
He said these efforts receive continuous support from the Johor Education Department and district education offices through training and monitoring.
“The Johor government continues to work closely with all stakeholders through the JPNJ and has forged strategic collaboration with the state police contingent,” Aznan stated.
“Police are also directly involved through school liaison officers under the Jom Ke Sekolah and Sekolah Rakan Cop Johor programmes.”
He added that QR code scanning has been introduced for police patrol inspections at all schools and dormitories across Johor. – Bernama
