An improved version of the guidelines relating to student punishment in school is now in the final stage, said Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan.

"The ministry is open to views and suggestions in the interest of all parties. It also welcomes proposals and improvements for all including teachers, parents and pupils themselves,” he told reporters after a visit to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Gelang Patah in Johor Bahru today.

He was commenting on the call by the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) for the ministry to issue a new circular on the methods of punishment allowed on students.

NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock said a review of Professional Circular No 8 would inform teachers on the forms of punishment which could not be inflicted on students who had committed offences not included in the Education Regulations, such as loitering and being noisy in class.

On his visit to SJKT Gelang Patah, which saw 37 pupils starting school in Standard One, Kamalanathan said he was satisfied with the cooperation provided to all parties in preparing for the first day at school.

“For example, the school management used assistance provided by the government for infrastructure to repair the roof and toilets to create a more conducive environment for pupils, he added.

- Bernama