THE reintroduction of caning in schools should be considered in a phased and controlled manner to address rising social crimes among students, according to Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar.
Speaking at the ‘Immediate Reform Anti-Bullying Campaign; From Home to School, Parents as the First Line of Defence’ event held at the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters today, Shazeli said that disciplinary enforcement in schools had weakened over the years, reducing what he called the “fear factor” necessary to maintain order.
“This matter should be reconsidered for reimplementation. Today, there is no fear factor in schools due to some rules and disciplinary enforcement actions being reduced or abolished, which teachers should have had to enforce discipline and school administration,” he said.
Shazeli clarified that the appropriateness of caning would depend on the severity and type of offence.
“Human beings learn from experience and from what they feel, which is more effective than merely talking and communicating without experiencing it,” he explained.
He added that a controlled, phased reintroduction would prevent misuse of power by teachers.
Highlighting the urgency, Shazeli pointed to statistics showing a rise in student-related arrests in Selangor.
From January to October last year, 108 students were arrested, rising to 122 during the same period this year.
He said these incidents spanned primary and secondary schools and involved social crimes such as bullying, extortion, assault, and fights, with more serious cases linked to external elements including gangsterism.
“The social issues involving school students in Selangor remain at a level that requires vigilance,” Shazeli stressed, noting that the Selangor Education Department maintains close collaboration with police on these matters.
On the anti-bullying campaign itself, Shazeli described it as a joint initiative between the Selangor Police and the state Education Department to address student misconduct and criminal behaviour comprehensively.
“The Royal Malaysia Police takes bullying and juvenile crime seriously as a form of social crime that can jeopardise our children’s future.
“This programme also adopts a holistic approach, emphasising that prevention must begin at home, and that parents play a critical role as the first line of defence in shaping their children’s morality, emotions, and behaviour,” he said.
The campaign drew 700 participants, including teachers, parent-teacher associations, and police personnel, underlining a coordinated approach to restoring discipline and safety in Selangor schools. - November 27, 2025
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