Education Ministry audit finds just 28.94% of schools have fully functional CCTV, prompting immediate action to install systems in over 300 schools.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Education has taken immediate action after an audit revealed only 28.94% of schools nationwide have fully functioning CCTV systems.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the finding came from a Student and Hostel Safety Audit conducted last year across 850 schools.
To bolster physical security, CCTV systems will be installed in more than 300 schools this year as part of quick-win initiatives under the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026-2035.
“School safety is about the confidence of parents and the community’s place in us,” Fadhlina said at a press conference following her New Year Address to ministry staff.
She urged all state and district education offices and schools to ensure all CCTVs are operational and properly maintained.
The ministry also welcomes any party willing to help equip schools with CCTV systems.
“All our initiatives involve various partners, including parent-teacher associations, the private sector and community groups,” she said.
“If people want to help, we should open the door and support them,” Fadhlina added.
In a related move, she said a new directive requiring transferring students to submit health, mental health and disciplinary records ensures schools can provide necessary support.
This reform aims to safeguard every student’s right to education regardless of disciplinary or mental health issues.
“So far, if there are concerns about stigma or safety, we ask parents to come forward and offer suggestions,” she stated.
This allows for immediate intervention if anyone feels uncomfortable or at risk.
Director-General of Education Mohd Azam Ahmad announced the new transfer guidelines yesterday, which tackle bullying, sexual harassment and student safety.
