Kuala lumpur: The Foundation for the Development of Tamil Schools in Malaysia has urged schools to tighten security checks to prevent sharp objects and prohibited items from being brought onto school premises. Its chairman Datuk T. Murugiah said security personnel should conduct stricter inspections of students’ bags to ensure the safety of pupils and teachers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Murugiah emphasized the importance of these measures by stating, ‘I urge all school security guards nationwide to conduct stricter checks on students’ bags to ensure that no sharp weapons, vape devices, drugs or other prohibited items are brought into schools.’ He clarified that the measure is not punitive but a necessary step to keep schools safe and prevent untoward incidents.

Murugiah also called on parents to work closely with school disciplinary teachers to instil discipline at home. ‘Moral education and noble values must be instilled from an early age so that children can distinguish right from wrong,’ he said, addressing the root causes of recent incidents involving students.

He responded to recent incidents, including a case in Selangor where a student brought a folding knife to school, a fight triggered by social media taunts in Johor, the discovery of vape devices and lighters in Perak, and an assault case in Kedah. These cases, he noted, highlight the urgent need to strengthen discipline and monitoring in schools to protect students and uphold the image of the national education system.

Furthermore, Murugiah urged the Education Ministry to issue additional guidelines for schools to enhance cooperation with security guards, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and community police to improve safety and monitor student behaviour. ‘Firm action must be taken against any student found carrying weapons, engaging in fights or committing violence in schools. There must be no compromise on student safety,’ he asserted.