THE Malaysian government is facing mounting pressure to swiftly implement a nationwide school safety action plan following the death of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen, who was fatally stabbed in a recent school tragedy that has shocked the nation.
The incident, which took place at a secondary school, has reignited public concern about student safety and prompted calls for immediate and decisive measures to prevent further violence in educational institutions.
Describing the tragedy as a failure of collective societal responsibility, Selangor's Executive Councillor for Public Health and Environment, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, said action must no longer be delayed.
“This is not the time for surveys, studies or mere guidelines. Drastic measures must be implemented immediately,” she said in a statement.
Jamaliah expressed support for a series of emergency initiatives announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, which include deploying police officers to schools, introducing random spot checks, and raising the minimum age for social media usage from 13 to 16.
She further called for the proposed age limit to be legally enforced through official registration methods such as MyKad, passports, or the national digital ID (MyDigital ID) to ensure stricter verification of users.
To strengthen enforcement, Jamaliah suggested the inclusion of one-time password (OTP) authentication systems to prevent underage users from providing false information.
“The ban on social media access for those under 16 is crucial because many of today’s crimes are rooted in exposure to inappropriate online content — including bullying, violence and even incidents leading to death,” she warned.
She also highlighted the mental health risks linked to harmful content, noting that countries such as Australia have passed legislation to restrict social media access to individuals aged 16 and above, while Singapore is exploring similar measures.
“This is the right time for Malaysia to act so we can curb wider social issues from an early stage,” Jamaliah added.
In Selangor, the state government is currently developing the Selangor Mental Sihat (SEHAT) module, which will focus on anti-bullying education, emotional awareness and early intervention for mental health issues in schools.
Emphasising the need for unity in the face of tragedy, Jamaliah urged all parties to shift from blame to constructive dialogue.
“We must provide feedback constructively, not merely criticise or look for scapegoats,” she said.
She insisted that the most meaningful tribute to Yap Shing Xuen and other victims of school violence would be the full and immediate implementation of the government’s proposed safety measures.
“Every student deserves a safe, nurturing and supportive learning environment — one that promotes their mental and emotional wellbeing,” she said. - October 18, 2025
