With the recent gang rape case in a classroom in Malacca, followed by the nation being shocked once again by a fatal stabbing incident at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4, the Minister of Education has responded to the crisis currently affecting Malaysian schools.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that she will take responsibility for the matter and pledged to do better, alongside her deputy minister.
She expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening school safety and ensuring the well-being of both teachers and students.
“Only God knows this sorrow. Seeing teachers in grief and anxiety, crying over the loss of their students, my heart breaks.”
“We will face this test together. Even if our hearts are broken, we must pick up the pieces and find strength again,” she added.
In a statement posted on Facebook today (18 October), Fadhlina urged teachers to remain strong and emphasised that the Ministry of Education will not let this tragedy be in vain. She assured that the Ministry is dedicated to enhancing school safety and the welfare of educators and students. She stressed that the security systems in schools across all levels nationwide will be further improved.
Currently, the Ministry is reviewing the safety standards of all its institutions and will continue to enhance campus safety mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. She also thanked teachers and parents across the country for their support during these difficult times and called on all sectors of society to work together to uphold campus safety.
“To our dear teachers, please remain committed to our mission of education. To our parents, thank you for your trust and encouragement. Your support during this time is crucial as we rebuild the strength and spirit of our schools.”
A quick recap of recent school incidents
Last week, it was reported that a 15-year-old girl was gang raped by two SPM candidates in a classroom, while two other peers recorded the ordeal and stood guard. On Tuesday (14 October), Malaysians were devastated by the news of a 14-year-old girl at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4 who was fatally stabbed. The 16-year-old suspect is now in custody.
Shortly after, four students in Kedah were arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for their involvement in a statutory rape case, which occurred both in a classroom and an oil palm plantation.
