KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Education (MOE) has moved swiftly to plug glaring gaps in school security after an audit revealed that fewer than three in 10 schools nationwide have fully functioning CCTV systems.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the finding came from a Student and Hostel Safety Audit conducted last year across 850 schools by the Inspectorate.
To bolster safety, she announced that CCTV systems will be installed in more than 300 schools this year under the “quick-win” initiatives of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026–2035.
“School safety is about the confidence of parents and the community’s trust in us. I want all state and district education offices, as well as schools, to ensure that all CCTVs are operational, with proper maintenance in place,” she said at a press conference following her New Year Address to MOE staff.
Fadhlina added that the ministry is open to collaboration with parent-teacher associations, the private sector and community groups to expand CCTV coverage.
“We should not be overly rigid at the ministry level. If people want to help, we should open the door and support them,” she said.
The push for stronger school security comes alongside a new directive requiring all transferring students to submit health, mental health and disciplinary records. The move, announced by Director-General of Education Mohd Azam Ahmad, is aimed at tackling bullying, sexual harassment and safeguarding student welfare.
Fadhlina said the measure ensures schools can provide the necessary support to every student, regardless of disciplinary or mental health issues.
“If there are concerns about stigma or safety, we ask parents to come forward and offer suggestions. This allows us to intervene immediately if anyone feels uncomfortable or at risk,” she said.
The twin initiatives – CCTV expansion and mandatory student records – mark the ministry’s latest reforms to tighten school safety, restore parental confidence and protect students’ right to education. – January 9, 2026