Community school urges stronger child protection measures after Banting stabbing

 Buku Jalanan Chow Kit cautions against ‘purely reactive’ responses, calling instead for more comprehensive reform.

The stab victim is receiving treatment at Banting Hospital. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A community school has called for stronger child protection measures in schools, including designated child protection officers or teams, following the stabbing of a student at a secondary school in Banting, Selangor, yesterday.

Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK) cautioned against “purely reactive” responses to the incident, saying that instead of focusing on assigning blame, “tragedies such as this must become a turning point for more comprehensive systemic reform”.

“BJCK acknowledges the efforts that have been implemented by the education ministry, including initiatives related to safe schools, the strengthening of guidance and counselling services, and various student management guidelines.

“However, tragedies such as this remind us that the strength of a policy does not lie only in its existence, but in its consistent, comprehensive, and effective implementation in every school,” it said in a statement today.

BJCK said designated officers or teams would serve as focal points to coordinate child protection issues, complaint management and follow-up action.

It also mooted stronger regular training for administrators, teachers and support staff on child protection, early detection of risk factors and conflict management.

“BJCK proposes regular risk assessments and audits on the implementation of the Safe School Policy, with emphasis not only on physical safety but also on psychosocial wellbeing, school culture and the effectiveness of protection systems.

“Strengthen mental health support systems and early intervention through closer collaboration between schools, parents, counsellors, mental health professionals, the social welfare department and relevant agencies,” it said.

The Form 3 victim in the stabbing incident reportedly suffered an injury to her lungs and 16 stab wounds. She is reportedly in stable condition.

The suspect, also a 15-year-old student from the same school, has been remanded for four days to assist in investigations under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. - FMT