KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — The School Pupil Protection Policy is not intended to place sole responsibility for pupil safety on teachers, but to establish a clearer framework defining the roles of all parties in safeguarding pupils’ safety and well-being.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the policy provided structured guidelines on the actions to be taken by various stakeholders when concerns arose over pupil safety and welfare.

“This policy creates a clearer framework regarding who should do what when concerns arise regarding the safety and well-being of a pupil. What we need from teachers is not to remain silent when there are concerns about a child’s safety.

“Upon receiving a complaint or having reasonable suspicion, report it immediately to the administrators. Teachers do not need to wait until they have complete evidence to make a report,” she said in a Facebook post today.

Fadhlina said the Ministry of Education (MOE) would intensify engagement sessions and briefings to address educators’ concerns and clarify their roles, adding that such sessions had already been held with the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

She said pupil protection involved a broader ecosystem comprising the MOE, State Education Departments (JPN) and District Education Offices (PPD), as well as external agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Social Welfare Department (JKM).

She said once a report was lodged, the case would be coordinated and appropriate action determined based on its nature and severity, including referral to relevant authorities where necessary, to prevent pupils from suffering repeated trauma due to improper case handling.

“I understand that a single document will not answer every question. That is why briefings and engagements must continue until teachers truly understand their roles, know the limits of their responsibilities, and feel confident about the steps to take when confronted with an incident,” she said.

Fadhlina also assured that the MOE would not leave teachers to act alone in protecting pupils, including by providing legal assistance where necessary and appropriate, stressing that the policy was not aimed at finding fault or turning teachers into scapegoats. — Bernama