KUALA LUMPUR, 04 November 2025: The Malaysian government is exploring a major security upgrade to integrate school surveillance cameras directly with the PDRM (Police) network, enabling real-time monitoring and significantly strengthening safety measures nationwide.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated the initiative aims to enhance law enforcement response times and coordination during emergencies, amidst mounting concerns over school violence. The plan leverages an RM8 million allocation from the Education Ministry (MOE) for the installation of CCTV cameras across the country. The integration requires seamless technical compatibility between school systems and existing police monitoring centers.
Surge in Violence Cases Drives Initiative
The aggressive security push is a direct response to a significant rise in school-related crime, including severe violence:
- Bullying: Police recorded 687 bullying cases since 2022, including 105 incidents in just the first half of 2025. Following recent Penal Code amendments (Sections 507B to 507G), 87 bullying cases have been investigated as specific criminal offenses since August.
- Serious Crimes: Authorities have documented 112 rape cases within school premises over the past three years, alongside two student murder cases.
In addition to the technological integration, the Home Ministry has instructed the police force to increase patrols and maintain stronger visibility around school areas as a supplementary measure to foster safer learning environments.
To improve monitoring in residential facilities, the ministry will appoint 600 full-time Hostel Warden Assistants from the MySTEP program. Additionally, MOE confirmed that cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will be reinforced through the School Harmony Committee and School Liaison Officers. The Smart Support Team will also see enhanced functions at the state and district levels to provide critical psychosocial support during crises.
Discipline and Child Protection Measures
The ministry is taking strong steps to reinforce institutional authority and accountability:
- Empowering Leaders: The authority of principals and headmasters to manage disciplinary cases will be reinforced, including the power to cane, suspend, or expel students in accordance with existing regulations. School leaders may delegate disciplinary power to designated teachers pending regulatory revision.
- System Upgrades: The Student Character Development System (SSDM) will be upgraded to ensure more proactive management and follow-up on disciplinary issues.
- Policy and Health: MOE is finalizing a Child Protection Policy to shield students from abuse and neglect. Furthermore, the ministry is working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to enhance mental health screening programs for all students, from Year One through Form Six, complemented by ongoing intervention support.
Finally, the student voice box initiative, which encourages open feedback from students and teachers, will be expanded nationwide, aligning with advocacy for child participation.
