PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed support for the reintroduction of caning in schools, provided it is strictly regulated to manage student discipline effectively.
Speaking during a ministerial question session in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, Anwar acknowledged the controversial nature of the punishment but emphasised its potential necessity.
“I have been a teacher and I remember caning dozens of my students... but with control,” he said. “However, there are opinions, for example from human rights groups, that consider this a form of child abuse. So, I understand the controversy.”
Anwar responded to a supplementary question from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) regarding proposals to grant teachers discretion in administering caning as a disciplinary measure.
He advised parents not to be overly concerned, noting that youthful misconduct is a common occurrence. “When children break the rules excessively, there must be punishment. But this is merely my personal view, not government policy.”
The Prime Minister stressed that any decision must be carefully considered, involving consultations with all stakeholders under the guidance of Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek before finalisation.
“I believe it must be studied, deliberated, and involve all parties before we make a decision. I am simply offering my personal opinion because I do not consider caning to fall under the category of abuse,” he said.
Increase Police Presence and Enhance Safety Measures in Schools
In the matter of safeguarding student safety. Anwar said the government has agreed to maintain police presence in schools to amid rising concerns over bullying, abuse, and crime, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.
The decision follows growing worries about security within educational institutions.
“We will provide guidelines to ensure that police monitoring does not cause anxiety among children,” Anwar said during a ministerial question session in the Dewan Rakyat.
He also revealed plans to establish a National Education Council to address weaknesses in the education system and coordinate input from all stakeholders.
Responding to a question from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) on government efforts to strengthen cooperation among schools, parents, local communities, and security agencies,
Anwar confirmed a RM5 million allocation for installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at selected schools to enhance surveillance.
“Counselling services will also be increased, though not yet at the level of trained and certified counsellors, but it is under consideration,” he added.
Additionally, recruitment of dormitory wardens, including military veterans, will be conducted more systematically.
Anwar supported Saifuddin’s suggestion to organise school safety and welfare committees in a more structured manner.
The government is also exploring proposals to vet the hiring of security guards, cafeteria workers, and cleaners, ensuring they possess relevant qualifications or training.
“This is a new proposal. Even if certificates are not available, exposure to their responsibilities is necessary, especially since there have been cases where wardens or caretakers were involved in criminal acts, including sexual offences,” he said.
On the issue of compensation for victims, Anwar stated that current amounts are adequate but acknowledged that in certain cases, such as abuse incidents in Penang, compensation might be reviewed for potential increases. - October 23, 2025
