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Enforce ban on corporal punishment in all schools

Persatuan Psikologi Malaysia (PSIMA) strongly condemns the alleged incident of abuse involving 11-year-old student Mohamad Thaqif Amin Mohd Gaddafi. His death is a tragedy that must lead to change. It is imperative that steps are taken to ensure that no student is subjected to abuse in Malaysian schools.

Research in various countries has indicated that the acceptance of the practice of corporal punishment in schools can encourage a culture of abuse. We, therefore, urge the Education Ministry and other relevant authorities to enforce the ban on corporal punishment in all Malaysian schools.

There is overwhelming research evidence from within psychology to suggest that there are more effective and more humane alternatives to disciplining students such as the practice of positive discipline that protect the dignity and the mental well-being of the child.

Also, PSIMA recommends that psychosocial risks in educational institutions be assessed and monitored regularly to minimise potential harm to students and PSIMA stands ready and willing to work with schools to develop strategies to reduce the risk of abuse in their institutions.


DR GOH CHEE LEONG is president of Persatuan Psikologi Malaysia (PSIMA).

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