Kuala lumpur: School Liaison Officers (PPS) play a broader role than addressing bullying, as they are also responsible for monitoring all aspects of school safety, including incidents involving students, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He stated that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would continue strengthening its monitoring efforts through the deployment of School Liaison Officers nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin highlighted that the role of School Liaison Officers, who comprise police personnel, extends beyond bullying to include various aspects of students' wellbeing and safety. The Home Ministry also deploys officers from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) to schools for this purpose. Saifuddin referenced a recent case in Kuala Nerang involving a student who fell, which remains under police investigation, and a viral incident in Cheras concerning bullying, to illustrate the scope of incidents that require attention.
Saifuddin Nasution was speaking after inspecting the hostel building of Sekolah Menengah Agama Tarbiah Diniah, which suffered damage in a fire. He explained that School Liaison Officers work closely with schools, parents, and students through engagement programmes, as part of PDRM's nationwide initiative to ensure school safety.
Regarding the hostel fire, Saifuddin stated that 116 students were affected. An immediate response includes cash assistance of RM500 for each student to replace essentials lost in the blaze. With the Prime Minister's agreement, Saifuddin has requested an immediate allocation of RM200,000 for temporary accommodation construction.
The National Registration Department (NRD) will deploy its mobile service to assist students in replacing identity cards destroyed in the fire, at no charge. Saifuddin emphasized the MADANI Government's commitment to addressing such incidents promptly, utilizing emergency allocations to lessen the impact on students, particularly in replacing school materials.
Additionally, Saifuddin's office contributed RM10,000 to the school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to aid recovery efforts.