Malaysia Introduces School Liaison Officers to Boost Safety

Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) has launched a new initiative to enhance school safety by introducing School Liaison Officers. These officers will come from three key government agencies: the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and the Department of Information Malaysia (JAPEN). The program, named 'Citra Negara MDN: Sekolah Selamat' (Safe Schools), aims to foster a secure environment for students.

Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasation Ismail, explained that the initiative specifically targets sixth-form students. These students are considered crucial in disseminating information related to safety and crime prevention. The liaison officers will serve as a bridge between government agencies and the school community, delivering vital information and raising awareness about various safety threats.

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Students can become good communication agents in conveying safety messages to the community.

The 'Safe Schools' program extends beyond physical safety. It encompasses crucial areas such as drug abuse prevention, emotional and mental well-being, cyberbullying, digital threats, and the dangers of extremism. "Students can become good communication agents in conveying safety messages to the community," Saifuddin stated, emphasizing the role of these officers in strengthening these efforts.

Saifuddin stressed that schools must be free from violence and crime, including physical bullying, fights, gangsterism, sexual harassment, and external intrusions. He also highlighted the need to protect students from drug abuse, online scams, mule account usage, emotional distress, and extremist ideologies that could jeopardize national security. While acknowledging that cases of youth involvement in extremism might be isolated, authorities treat them with utmost seriousness due to national security concerns. The program involved four educational institutions and 1,413 students.

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Cases of youth involvement in extremism might be isolated, but they are taken seriously by the authorities because national security cannot be taken lightly.