STUDENTS transferring to new schools will soon need to provide health reports, which will include mental health evaluations.
This requirement is part of new school safety guidelines that are set to take effect in the 2026 school session.
The measures, which will also cover disciplinary records, are being rolled out by the Education Ministry to enhance safety in schools, with a focus on issues such as bullying, sexual harassment, and physical security.
Dr. Mohd Azam Ahmad, the education director-general, informed Utusan Malaysia that the ministry's Special Committee on School Safety is currently reviewing outdated school standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure they meet current needs and challenges.
The review process also includes external organizations like the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).
These groups help ensure that the reforms are aligned with international standards and local needs.
The immediate reforms are centered around five major areas: mental health, reproductive and social education, teacher welfare, student voice, and the student protection policy.
He mentioned that a variety of government departments and expert bodies, such as the Ministry of Health, the Welfare Department, and the police, are involved in these efforts.
Their role is to boost teachers' ability to manage mental health concerns, trauma, and ensure student safety effectively.
As part of the updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), schools are now required to share complete student records whenever a transfer occurs.
In the past, student transfers were often handled without thorough documents, which meant that the receiving schools had no idea about the students’ history.
This lack of information sometimes led to problems at the new school, especially if the student had existing mental health issues or a disciplinary record.
He emphasized that the SOPs related to student transfers need to be improved to prevent such incidents.
The ministry is also conducting audits on school safety and teacher assignments, as directed by the education minister, through the Inspectorate and Quality Assurance Division.
Under the student protection policy, the ministry plans to introduce a "School Pledge" that involves schools, parents, and students.
This pledge will make schools commit to protecting and educating children in a safe environment, while parents will take on their responsibilities, and students will agree to follow discipline and uphold personal values. He noted that this method has been successful in international schools and will be adapted to suit the Malaysian context.
Mohd Azam also mentioned that the ministry intends to foster student leadership through the "Hero Friend" concept.
This involves training students to support their peers who may be experiencing stress or emotional difficulties. For teachers, the focus will be on providing training in stress management, raising awareness about mental health, and offering support for those dealing with at-risk students or students with special needs.
These initiatives are currently being tested in 100 pilot schools to evaluate their effectiveness before they are rolled out nationwide.
The expansion will depend on the readiness of State Education Departments and District Education Offices. The selected schools include Sekolah Angkat Madani, which receives support from various entities, such as government-linked companies and community partners.
He added that this collaboration is expected to improve school safety and facilities, including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and other necessary infrastructure.
The long-term goal is to implement a comprehensive, government-wide approach that involves active participation from parents, communities, and the social sector. This way, the education reforms will be meaningful and sustainable over time. - December 24, 2025
