KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry is in its final stages of setting up a new committee to look into “period spot check” allegations and other related issues.
In his press conference today, Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said this is to ensure similar issues that may arise in the future will be tackled in a more orderly manner.
“We are studying this matter and the ministry is in its final process of establishing a new committee.
“There will be a more comprehensive process in this context, to ensure when such issues arise in the future, we will be able to tackle it in a more structured and orderly manner.”
In April, female students came forward to reveal that they were made to undergo “period spot checks”.
The physical checks were said to prove whether they are on their period, and not using it as an excuse to skip fasting and prayers during Ramadan.
According to a report by Malaysiakini, former and current students revealed that they were told to show their blood-soaked sanitary pads, swab their vaginas with either cotton buds, tissues or their fingers, or have a teacher, warden or school prefect pat them down at the groin area to feel if they are wearing a sanitary pad.
In response, Radzi had said the ministry is investigating if such incidents were taking place at government boarding schools, and found no evidence that such practices exist. – The Vibes, June 20, 2021