Malaysia: Crime group calls for mandatory CCTV, bag checks in schools

The Malaysian Crime Prevention and Community Association (MCCC) is calling on the government to mandate the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all schools nationwide. The association also advocates for stricter bag checks at school entrances as preventative measures to curb violence in educational institutions. Daniel Khoo, the Pahang chairman of MCCC, stated that it is time for the government to implement more comprehensive safety policies, citing recent incidents involving students that have caused concern among parents and the public.

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CCTV must be mandatory in all schools in Malaysia. Not only installed in classrooms but also in corridors, pathways to restrooms, staircases, entrances, and all areas frequented by students.

Khoo emphasized that a reactive approach, where authorities only act after an incident occurs, is no longer sufficient. He stressed the need to strengthen preventive efforts to ensure schools remain safe environments for everyone. "CCTV must be mandatory in all schools in Malaysia," Khoo said. "Not only installed in classrooms but also in corridors, pathways to restrooms, staircases, entrances, and all areas frequented by students."

He further explained that monitoring through CCTV is crucial wherever students move within school grounds. The recordings would not only aid investigations but also deter individuals from committing crimes, as they would be aware of constant surveillance. Khoo also urged the government to ensure adequate CCTV coverage, eliminating any 'blind spots' that could hinder monitoring or investigations.

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Every school must have security guards who conduct bag checks on students. We need to ensure no one brings in sharp weapons like knives or any dangerous objects that could threaten the safety of the school community.

Beyond CCTV, the association suggests that all schools implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for security checks on students before they enter school premises. "Every school must have security guards who conduct bag checks on students. We need to ensure no one brings in sharp weapons like knives or any dangerous objects that could threaten the safety of the school community," Khoo stated. He acknowledged that some might consider these measures too strict but argued that the greater importance of student safety justifies them, reiterating that "prevention is always better than acting after a tragedy."

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Prevention is always better than acting after a tragedy.