An expert has described sexual misconduct involving teachers and students as “deeply alarming” and said such incidents risk eroding public trust in the education system.
PETALING JAYA: Schools are meant to be safe spaces in which children learn, grow and prepare for the future, but a growing number of sexual harassment and misconduct cases involving teachers and students have shattered that sense of security.
The incidents have left victims traumatised and parents questioning whether schools are doing enough to protect children.
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Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said many schools still struggle with a culture of silence, fear and uncertainty when dealing with abuse allegations.
“Students may fear not being believed, while peers or staff may hesitate to report suspicious behaviour involving a respected authority figure,” she told theSun.
Noor Azimah said many schools also lack specialised safeguarding officers, trauma-informed reporting procedures and regular training for teachers and students to identify grooming behaviour.
“Policies tend to become reactive after incidents occur rather than preventive,” she said.
She said schools must strengthen monitoring systems, enforce clear professional boundary guidelines, introduce mandatory reporting obligations and conduct regular safeguarding audits to prevent abuse before it escalates.
“Early warning signs such as favouritism, excessive private communication or attempts to isolate students must be taken seriously before they escalate into abuse,” she said.
Noor Azimah also emphasised the importance of educating students about inappropriate behaviour, even when it involves authority figures such as teachers.
“Equally important is ensuring that students know where to seek help safely and confidentially,” she added.
She said victims should never be blamed, isolated or pressured into silence, while parents must be assured that safeguarding is treated as a fundamental responsibility rather than a public relations exercise.
“Trust is rebuilt when institutions demonstrate that protecting children comes before protecting reputations,” she astressed.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye described sexual misconduct involving teachers and students as “deeply alarming” and said such incidents risk eroding public trust in the education system.
“Although the vast majority of educators are dedicated and ethical professionals, the actions of a small number of teachers who exploit students not only tarnish the teaching profession but also destroy the trust placed by parents and society in our educational institutions.
“When a teacher commits sexual harassment, sexual exploitation or any inappropriate sexual behaviour against a student, it is a betrayal of trust and a form of abuse that can leave long-lasting psychological trauma,” he said.
He said victims could suffer emotional distress, depression, anxiety, academic difficulties and long-term psychological harm that may continue into adulthood.
“What is even more concerning is that many victims may be too afraid to come forward due to fear, shame, intimidation or concern that they may not be believed,” he said.
Lee said such cases must never be treated merely as internal disciplinary matters, and called for all allegations to be investigated professionally, independently and transparently.
He proposed several urgent measures, including a strict zerotolerance policy against sexual misconduct in schools, stricter background screening for educators and safe, confidential reporting channels for students.
He also stressed the need for regular child protection training for teachers and greater awareness among students about personal safety and reporting inappropriate behaviour.
He called for stronger cooperation between parents and schools, firm legal action against offenders as well as adequate counselling and psychosocial support for victims.
