THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has clarified that closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will not be installed in private areas such as dormitory bedrooms, bathrooms, or changing rooms to safeguard student dignity.
Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said surveillance in these areas will instead be strengthened through scheduled warden patrols as an additional measure to prevent bullying incidents.
“In determining CCTV locations, the Ministry prioritises a balance between student safety and privacy, guided by the advice of the Chief Government Security Officer,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
“CCTV will therefore only be installed in high-risk public areas, including main dormitory corridors, entrances and exits, stairwells, dining halls, ironing rooms, and isolated external areas around dormitory blocks,” he added.
Wong was responding to a query from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim regarding the most appropriate CCTV locations to prevent bullying while avoiding any risk of compromising student privacy.
He noted that as of now, 149 out of 200 selected schools have had CCTV systems installed, representing 75 per cent completion since the project began on 13 October.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s intensified efforts to address bullying incidents that have garnered significant public attention.
The Ministry has allocated RM3 million for the purchase and installation of CCTV systems in the selected boarding schools.
Procurement is conducted openly via the eProcurement system, in accordance with the Treasury Circular PK2.1 General Provisions, and is managed by state education departments, district offices, or individual schools depending on the circumstances. - November 12, 2025
