KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Safety issues in schools should not be concealed to protect reputations, as this may prevent authorities from taking action, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail.

He said cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and schools should be strengthened to ensure all incidents are reported for further action.

“Sometimes there are actions by certain parties attempting to hide issues to protect their reputation. But I believe if we enhance and strengthen this relationship, it can help resolve the problems,” he told a press conference after the launch of the PDRM Negotiator Handbook at the Bukit Aman Senior Officers' Mess here today.

Mohd Khalid said school safety is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation among PDRM, schools, the Ministry of Education, and parents. School liaison officers also regularly visit and coordinate with school authorities on safety issues.

He added that PDRM holds regular discussions with schools and parent-teacher associations on safety measures, including proposals to install closed-circuit television (CCTV). The Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) has also increased patrols at schools and hostels.

On the death of a 16-year-old student at a school in Yong Peng, Johor, he said some details remain unconfirmed and the department will conduct a thorough investigation before making any conclusions.

Meanwhile, Mohd Khalid said PDRM has strengthened its Negotiator Cell, which was set up two years ago, by introducing a handbook for officers to use during crisis negotiations.

He said the cell, under the Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA), has about 40 officers from various departments. The officers are selected based on their experience and can be deployed if a crisis requires negotiation expertise.

"If a crisis such as a kidnapping occurs, requiring advice, views, or negotiation between relevant parties, we will call upon the officers concerned to carry out the negotiation," he said.

He said the Negotiator Cell also works with other PDRM divisions as needed. The unit has also given lectures and shared experience in crisis management with the Royal Brunei Police Force.

Bukit Aman KDNKA deputy director (Crisis and Disaster) and Negotiator Cell commandant Datuk M.V Srikumar Nair said no standard response time is set for each case, as the duration depends on the circumstances and uniqueness of an incident.

"Every case is unique. Some information is received quickly, while other cases take time. Therefore, there is no standard response time," he said. — Bernama