Circular to end period spot check 'progress' but lacks details - SIS

Sisters In Islam (SIS) questioned today whether the Education Ministry’s recent circular on the prohibition of period spot checks in schools will be applicable to other institutions outside its purview.

In welcoming the ministry’s order issued through a circular dated Nov 2, SIS noted there were some matters which needed clarification.

“While the circular shows progress in ending period spot checks, however, there are a few details that are unclear.

“For example, does the circular include private education institutions and education institutions under state governments and other governmental bodies such as religious schools and tahfiz schools?” said the women’s rights group in a statement.

“What are the guidelines if period spot checks are still conducted in education institutions?

“Are the students able to report to the school, principal or report straight to the police?” said SIS, who likened the practice to sexual harassment and assault.

The group said there was also no mention of actions to be taken towards the individual or individuals who conduct period spot checks, as well as any counselling support for students affected.

SIS was responding to a Malaysiakini report in which a source confirmed the circular from the Education Ministry director-general to all state education department heads, stating: “The MOE takes this matter seriously and stresses that it should not happen.”

“Without more specific and detailed measures, it remains to be seen whether the circular is sufficient to end this practice, especially in institutions that are not under the MOE,” said SIS.

Further, SIS urged other education institutions not under the Education Ministry’s purview to issue the necessary directives and implement the required measures to ensure that all students are free from such violations.

A source from the ministry’s policy department said the Nov 2 circular was issued following Radzi’s visit to the ERT Vocational College in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, following allegations that period spot checks had been conducted.

The latest incident came after several months of pressure on the government to take action, since the issue was first highlighted by Malaysiakini in April, including cases spanning nearly 20 years ago.  - Mkini