THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced an additional RM5 million allocation for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in selected schools across Malaysia, as part of urgent efforts to improve safety and reduce risks of untoward incidents in educational institutions.
The move complements an earlier RM3 million allocation and is a key element in MoE’s broader safety and discipline action plan, aimed at fortifying security and enhancing student behavioural management in schools under its jurisdiction.
“This supplements the initial RM3 million previously announced for the same purpose,” the ministry said in a statement today.
From November 2025, a total of 10,096 new teachers — including over 500 guidance and counselling teachers — will be deployed nationwide to support current staffing needs and strengthen psychosocial support for students.
For full residential schools, 600 full-time residential assistant wardens will be appointed under the MySTEP programme to improve supervision and ease the workload of existing wardens.
MoE also stated that it is reinforcing school-level Safety Consensus Committees in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including strengthening the role of School Liaison Officers in monitoring campus safety.
“At the same time, the Smart Support Team function at state and district education departments will continue to be empowered to provide psychosocial crisis support,” the ministry said, adding that ongoing training for teachers will improve emergency preparedness in schools.
The ministry reiterated the importance of headteachers, principals and school disciplinary committees in addressing student misconduct, reaffirming their authority to impose disciplinary actions such as caning, suspension or expulsion within existing regulations.
Headteachers may also delegate disciplinary authority to selected teachers based on necessity. Meanwhile, student discipline regulations are currently being revised.
The ministry’s Student Character Management System (SSDM) will also be enhanced for more proactive handling of discipline cases and follow-up actions. The ‘student voice box’ initiative — a platform for students and teachers to express concerns — will be expanded in line with UNICEF’s advocacy for child participation.
MoE is also finalising a Child Protection Policy to safeguard pupils in schools and is working with the Ministry of Health (KKM) to strengthen mental health screening programmes from Year One through to Form Six, including targeted interventions and sustained psychosocial support.
“MoE urges all stakeholders, including parents, the community and relevant agencies, to work together in building a safe, healthy and disciplined learning ecosystem in every educational institution,” the ministry said. - October 22, 2025
