Melaka: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has urged all parties, including schools, parents, and the community, to reassess the effectiveness of character education, guidance and counselling systems, as well as discipline in schools.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon referred to the recent rape case allegedly involving students at a secondary school in Melaka, expressing concern over the incident. He highlighted that the incident reflects a failure among the students involved to uphold values of humanity, decency, and morality.

Fouzi emphasized the importance of parenting and family education, noting that the root cause of students’ poor character often lies in inadequate parental guidance. He stated that character education should not be solely the responsibility of schools; rather, moral and ethical values should be instilled early at home, with schools playing a supportive role in reinforcing these values.

He also called for a reassessment of the effectiveness of character and disciplinary education in schools to address current social challenges. Fouzi stressed the need to strengthen the role of guidance and counselling teachers, enabling students to engage in counselling sessions and youth-related programmes. Comprehensive support systems, such as early intervention and cooperation with welfare and psychological agencies, were also recommended.

Fouzi underscored the importance of early prevention through value-based education, empathy, and character building as a key agenda in the education system. He noted that this is not merely a disciplinary issue but a reflection of the moral fabric and social well-being of the nation’s younger generation.

The Melaka police confirmed that four 17-year-old male students, who are due to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination next month, were remanded for six days on suspicion of raping a 15-year-old female student at a school in Alor Gajah. The case, being investigated under Section 375B of the Penal Code, allegedly occurred on October 2 inside a classroom when the victim returned to retrieve her science project materials.