Kuala lumpur: The Education Ministry (MoE) has been urged to establish a dedicated body or agency to oversee students' safety and welfare in schools while easing teachers' burden in handling disciplinary issues. South East Asia Welfare and Education Foundation (SEAWEED) chairman Datuk Dr Mustapha Ahmad Marican proposed the idea to ensure a systematic approach to monitoring student safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Mustapha emphasized that such a body could be placed under the ministry or operate independently with its own powers and responsibilities. He pointed out that the proposal is not without precedent, citing examples from countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, where dedicated agencies or legal frameworks exist to monitor student safety in schools.

Dr. Mustapha outlined that the body could also assist in addressing issues related to discipline, bullying, and gangsterism, which pose threats to student safety and well-being. He highlighted the seriousness of bullying cases that result in injuries among students, stressing the need for immediate and effective measures to enhance school safety.

Moreover, Dr. Mustapha called for a comprehensive study on bullying, considering the mental health of students. He also proposed regular bag inspections to prevent the entry of knives and other dangerous items into schools. 'Regular inspections of students' bags should also be carried out to ensure that sharp weapons such as knives or other dangerous items are not brought into schools, where they could pose a threat to other students,' he stated.