Rape in school: Minister remains tough, urges families to report

The Education Ministry is firm regarding disciplinary action for sexual offences in schools, said its minister Fadhlina Sidek.

She said her ministry is dealing with the issue by strengthening the Sexual Misconduct Management Guidelines for educational institutions.

“If we find that (sexual misconduct) occurring among Education Ministry members, we have indeed made this disciplinary statement, which is ‘You touch, you go!’,” she said.

She was speaking to reporters after inaugurating a new building at the Marang District Education Office in Terengganu yesterday.

Fadhlina was commenting on a sexual misconduct incident reported by the media on Saturday (Aug 10) where a female student was allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by three male students in Besut in February.

“At the same time, I remind everyone that reports by family members must continue… so that we can control such behaviour.”

She said the ministry also takes social problems involving students seriously, including smoking, and the use of e-cigarettes or vaping.

Parents, community must play their part

She also reminded parents and the community to play their part, especially if the cases happen outside the school.

“The school is indeed under our control... because we have action and discipline, but outside of that, it also requires the commitment of parents and the community,” she said.

“Regarding the ban on the sale of cigarettes and vaping for individuals under 18, we have to remind them from time to time.”

On Thursday, the media reported that an increasing number of students in Johor Bahru are addicted to smoking “magic mushrooms” vapes which are easily available.

Last month, a Form Four male student in Kemaman reportedly collapsed after he was believed to have used a vape.

However, Terengganu police chief Mohd Khairi Khairudin said no traces of drugs were found in the student’s blood.

- Bernama

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