Kuala lumpur: A total of 10,435 school liaison officers have been deployed across all primary and secondary schools nationwide, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah stated that these officers are crucial in bridging the gap between the police and educational institutions, focusing on crime awareness, safety advice, and addressing bullying and student discipline issues.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Anuar emphasized the importance of in-service training for school liaison officers, which is being systematically implemented by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) based on state contingents. This initiative aims to enhance the officers’ capabilities in fulfilling their roles effectively.
In response to a question from Chiew Choon Man (PH-Miri) concerning measures to strengthen school safety and communication channels, Shamsul Anuar outlined the responsibilities of school liaison officers. These include providing advisory services on student discipline, monitoring safety needs, identifying problems, and assisting in safety management before and after crises.
The officers are required to visit schools at least once every two weeks and address issues raised through complaint boxes to establish effective communication channels. Additionally, parents and the public are encouraged to report concerns via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application and follow up with schools if necessary.
Shamsul Anuar also noted that the government is considering proposals to station police officers permanently or semi-permanently in high-risk schools as a preventive measure.
Meanwhile, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang explained that the appointment of former military or police personnel as wardens at MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) is conducted through a rigorous process. This initiative, currently a pilot project at MRSM Balik Pulau in Penang and MRSM Besut in Terengganu, involves collaboration with the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) and the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT).
Rubiah Wang highlighted that candidates are carefully screened through interviews, considering their disciplinary records, integrity, and lack of drug or alcohol abuse, ensuring that only qualified individuals are selected for these roles. She was responding to an inquiry from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) about the screening and training mechanisms for retired military or police personnel prior to their appointment as MRSM wardens.