Education Ministry to Install CCTV in 333 More School Hostels Nationwide to Improve Student Safety
KOTA BHARU, March 14 — The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) will expand the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in 333 additional school hostels nationwide this year as part of efforts to strengthen security and address bullying issues among students.
Education director-general Datuk Mohd. Azam Ahmad said the move represents the second phase of the ministry’s security initiative after 200 school hostels across the country were already equipped with CCTV systems last year.
According to him, the expansion aims to ensure that more student dormitories are fitted with surveillance systems to enhance safety and monitoring within boarding facilities.
He explained that the installation process will be carried out in stages to ensure compliance with technical standards and existing legal requirements.
Mohd. Azam stressed that privacy considerations remain an important factor in the project.
“We cannot install CCTV systems indiscriminately because there are laws related to privacy that must be respected.
“We want to ensure that the cameras are installed in suitable locations so the system remains effective,” he said.
He made the remarks after attending the KPM Community Ramadan Jaulah Programme at Kolej Vokasional Pengkalan Chepa in Kota Bharu.
Mohd. Azam said the ministry has consulted several relevant agencies to ensure that the installation process complies with safety standards and respects students’ rights.
Among the agencies involved is the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO) as well as organisations that advocate for children’s rights.
Their input, he said, is important to ensure that surveillance measures do not compromise student privacy.
The ministry will also seek technical advice from the Public Works Department (JKR) since the installation of CCTV systems involves government-owned building structures.
This step is intended to ensure that the installation is carried out professionally without affecting the safety or integrity of the buildings.
Mohd. Azam also noted that the ministry had previously allocated RM3 million for the installation of CCTV systems in school hostels nationwide.
The funding forms part of the government’s broader initiative to improve security conditions in boarding facilities.
He added that the procurement process for the project has already been completed and installation works are expected to begin soon.
The expansion of CCTV coverage is also viewed as an important measure in addressing safety concerns in school hostels, particularly in tackling bullying incidents among students.
Earlier reports indicated that 200 hostels nationwide, including those in Sabah and Sarawak, were selected for CCTV installation as part of efforts to strengthen monitoring in student residential areas.
With an additional 333 hostels set to be equipped with CCTV systems this year, the ministry aims to further expand security coverage in boarding schools across the country.
-wilayah.com.my
