KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has ordered the immediate suspension of all programmes involving freelance speakers in schools following allegations circulating on social media involving a freelance speaker who had previously conducted programmes with pupils.
Fadhlina said she was aware of several allegations involving the speaker and had instructed the Education Ministry to obtain further information on the matter.
She said the allegations were serious as they involved the safety and protection of pupils.
“I urge anyone with information to come forward and lodge a police report. Reports to the authorities are important to ensure children receive the appropriate protection and support,” she said in a statement today.
Fadhlina said she had ordered all programmes involving freelance speakers to be stopped immediately to allow a full investigation to be carried out.
“Student safety must be taken seriously and scrutinised. The safety of children under our care cannot be compromised,” she said.
Her statement came after allegations involving the freelance speaker and school pupils circulated on social media.
The Star reported that several alleged victims had come forward with accounts and purported evidence of inappropriate conduct involving the speaker.
According to the report, social media posts also alleged that the speaker had inappropriately touched pupils during programmes.
The allegations circulating online have not been independently verified.
Fadhlina said the ministry would obtain further information on the matter while urging those with relevant information to report it to the police.
She said reports to the authorities were important to ensure children received appropriate protection and support.
