AN MCA Youth leader has called for urgent action to strengthen school security, protect teachers and expand mental health support for students, warning that recent violent incidents have exposed vulnerabilities that cannot be ignored.
According to its Education Consultative Committee chairman Ong Chee Siang, escalating youth violence across Southeast Asia, including school shootings in Thailand and the Philippines, should serve as a warning that school safety cannot be taken for granted.
“While Malaysia’s Arms Act 1960 helps prevent widespread firearm violence, recent knife incidents show that other weapons remain a serious threat,” he said in a statement.
Ong’s call comes after two recent school knife attacks in Selangor heightened concerns about student safety.
In October 2025, a student was stabbed in a school toilet at SMK Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya, while last month, a 15-year-old student allegedly entered SMK Bandar Banting and stabbed a Form Three student.
The incidents have renewed calls for stronger school security, earlier intervention for at-risk students and better support systems within schools.
Ong said schools should strengthen practical security measures without creating an intimidating learning environment.
He urged the Education Ministy (MOE), police and school authorities to conduct regular, non-intrusive bag checks where necessary, use handheld metal detectors when appropriate, and ensure that laboratory, art and vocational tools were securely stored and issued only under teacher supervision.
He also called for stricter control over knives and other sharp equipment used in school canteens, as well as confidential reporting channels that would allow students to report weapons, threats or suspicious behaviour safely.
“School safety is not only about preventing attacks. It is also about making sure students and teachers know help is available before a situation turns into a crisis,” he stressed.
Ong said teachers also needed better protection, including classrooms equipped with quick-lock mechanisms, emergency alert systems and training in de-escalation techniques and emergency responses.
He added that teachers who intervened during violent incidents should receive appropriate legal protection and immediate psychological support after serious incidents.
Beyond physical security, Ong said violence prevention had to address underlying issues such as bullying, emotional distress and mental health concerns.
He noted that students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, could face particular vulnerabilities and required appropriate support rather than stigma.
Ong further urged the MOE to work more closely with child psychologists, the Social Welfare Department, the Health Ministry, educators and Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) to expand access to psychologists and school counsellors, strengthen anti-bullying measures, provide counselling for vulnerable students and their families where necessary, and develop individual crisis-response plans for students identified as being at risk.
“All students deserve safe schools. MOE and relevant agencies need to act swiftly to strengthen security, protect teachers and students, and address the causes of violence before more lives are put at risk,” he emphasised. ‒ Aug 21, 2026
Main image: The Star
