‘Stop period spot checks’

 

PETALING JAYA: Continuous vigilance will take place to ensure period spot checks among female students do not occur anymore in schools.

Education director-general Datin Sri Nor Zamani Abdol Hamid issued a “reminder” to all state education departments (JPN) and district education offices (PPD) to halt this practice that recently resurfaced at a school in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.

In a circular dated Nov 2, all JPNs and PPDs have been told to ensure that the practice of finding out whether a student is menstruating does not occur in any institution under the purview of the ministry.

Nor Zamani said the ministry views this issue seriously, and stressed that it should not take place at any of the institutions under her ministry.

“Strict action must be taken if this practice is found to have taken place in educational institutions under the ministry.

“JPNs and PPDs must always be aware and conduct continuous monitoring so that this does not happen in the future,” she added.

The circular came after Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin met the students involved in the latest alleged period spot checks on Oct 26, and gave his commitment to put a stop to it.

“I take the allegations seriously. If there is such a practice in any Education Ministry institution, we are committed to ensure that it does not continue,” he said in a social media post.

Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin said this directive is long overdue.

He said he feels happy for parents and students as this directive could spell the end of this issue in schools.

He also said that besides regular checks by JPN and PPD officials, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Magpie should also be allowed to check on schools to prevent this from recurring.

National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Wang Heng Suan said the circular shows the ministry’s seriousness in tackling the issue.

“Stern action should be taken should this matter happen again as it is definitely a violation of human rights.

“Teachers are definitely committed to this matter as ensuring their students feel safe in schools is top priority,” he added.

This is not the first time “period spot checks” have been reported.

In April, some students took to social media to reveal that the practice was happening in schools during the month of Ramadan (Muslim fasting month).

Following the revelation, Radzi said the ministry will set up a new committee to look into the allegations and other similar issues. - Star