KUALA LUMPUR — Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has pledged to take full responsibility and implement urgent reforms to strengthen safety in schools, following a spate of violent and sexual crimes involving students this month.
Expressing deep sorrow over the recent incidents, Fadhlina said she and her deputy, Wong Kah Woh, would personally oversee the rollout of enhanced safety measures in all institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE).
“My deputy and I take full responsibility towards ensuring improved safety at all institutions under the MOE,” she said in a Facebook post today.
“We will carry out this reform for the safety and well-being of schools together.”
Fadhlina said her heart broke for the teachers and students grieving the loss of a 16-year-old student who was fatally stabbed by a schoolmate at SMK Bandar Utama 4 in Petaling Jaya on October 14.
“Only God knows the pain of receiving news of another beloved student’s death,” she wrote. “To the teachers, stay strong. When our spirits are shattered, we must pick up the pieces and become whole again.”
She said the ministry would begin implementing safety improvements immediately to protect students, teachers, and school staff across the country.
Fadhlina also expressed gratitude to parents and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) for their continued support, urging them to work with the government to rebuild confidence in schools as safe spaces for learning.
“Help us in any way you can, for the sake of our children. Your attention and cooperation are crucial as we restore the spirit and strength of our schools,” she said.
Malaysia has been shaken by several shocking cases this month: a 16-year-old girl stabbed to death in Bandar Utama; a nine-year-old girl allegedly molested by a female security guard and her boyfriend in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan; and a Form Three student reportedly raped by her seniors in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
Fadhlina also vowed the ministry “will do better”, reaffirming her commitment to a “safe school reform” encompassing both physical security and psychosocial support for students and staff.
“This is a test we will face together,” she wrote. “We pray and work hard to ensure our schools remain safe and nurturing for all.” — October 18, 2025