RECENT school violence cases in Banting and Bandar Utama serve as a stark reminder of the need to strengthen prevention and early intervention measures in schools, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Describing the incidents as deeply concerning, Lee said schools must remain safe environments where students can learn without fear and focus on their education.
He stressed that preventing violence requires more than disciplinary action, calling for a comprehensive approach involving schools, parents, communities and enforcement authorities.
"While such cases remain relatively uncommon, they are a reminder that schools must strengthen both prevention and early intervention measures," he said when contacted by The Star on Thursday.
Lee said early identification of students displaying signs of aggression, emotional distress, bullying tendencies or social isolation was crucial in preventing serious incidents.
He called for more trained school counsellors and improved access to mental health support services for students.
"Schools should adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, intimidation and violent behaviour, with prompt investigation and intervention in every reported case," he said.
Lee also urged schools to strengthen supervision within school compounds, particularly in isolated areas, as well as during recess periods, before classes begin and after dismissal.
"Reasonable security checks should also be carried out where necessary to prevent students from bringing dangerous weapons onto school premises," he added.
He said teachers should receive training to identify warning signs of potential violence and manage conflicts before they escalate into serious incidents.
Lee also encouraged schools to expand programmes focusing on conflict resolution, emotional regulation, empathy and mutual respect to help students develop healthier ways of resolving disagreements.
Beyond schools, he said stronger collaboration between educators, parents, police and community organisations was essential to identify and support vulnerable students at an early stage.
He proposed establishing confidential reporting channels to allow students to raise concerns about threats, bullying or suspicious behaviour without fear of retaliation.
"Every act of school violence is a reminder that prevention must begin long before a weapon is used.
"By fostering a caring environment, strengthening mental health support, promoting positive values and maintaining effective security measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of such tragic incidents and ensure that our schools remain safe havens for every child," he said. - July 9, 2026
