The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has opposed the government's decision to lift the ban on cellular phones in schools over what it called "very poor excuse" and wanted the ban to stay.

The consumers group was responding to a news report quoting Education Ministry's director-general Dr Ahamad Sipon as saying that the ministry's decision was due to the increasing number of students owning cellular phones.

Describing the decision as 'disturbing', CAP president SM Mohamed Idris (right) queried: "Can we seriously expect students to adhere to the guidelines to control cellular phone usage during school hours, when even adults themselves do not respect guidelines?"

"School authorities do not just have to monitor phone calls but also SMSes. What is to stop students from sending test answers to their fellow students? Or harassing fellow students via their phones?" he asked.

School can confiscate phone

He further claimed that the move to lift the ban was "simply asking for trouble" as teachers will not be able to ensure that the students comply with guidelines given their already enormous responsibilities.

Under the guidelines, primary and secondary school students are only allowed to use their phones during stipulated time which are before and after classes, as well as during recess. It must be switched off in class, otherwise it will be confiscated.

Mohamed Idris argued that the usage of cellular phone should be limited for youngsters and schools are capable of having facilities in place to cater for emergencies or security situations that may require the use of a phone.

A father of a 11-year-old student when contacted by malaysiakini said he agreed with the lifting of the ban to facilitate communication between parents and their children, but it must be done on condition that the students can adhere strictly to the guidelines.

"The students themselves must be responsible and it is the parent's duty to teach their children to be responsible," said the father, adding that his daughter bought a cellular phone one year ago with her own savings but she only uses it at home.