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The Education Ministry has reaffirmed its stance against the use of caning as a disciplinary tool in schools
Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the ministry believes in nurturing a generation that is courteous and morally upright through guidance and good example, not through physical punishment, reported Sinar Daily.
"For now, our position is clear. We do not use caning as a tool in education.
"Other developed countries don't use the cane, yet they are still able to raise a well-mannered generation," he said in a press conference on Monday, 13 October.
Mohd Azam was appointed to the role three months ago, reported Harian Metro.
Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad.
Image via Mohd Fadli Hamzah/New Straits TimesMeanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told the Dewan Rakyat last week that caning is permitted, but only in cases involving serious misconduct
He said the ministry had previously issued Circular No. 7/2003: Teachers' Authority to Cane Students, reaffirming that corporal punishment remains part of the educational framework, provided it is carried out strictly in accordance with established procedures, reported the New Straits Times.
"Caning must be used only as a final measure, after all other interventions have been implemented," he told parliament last Wednesday, 8 October.
Wong added that the ministry is currently drafting new regulations under the Education (Student Discipline) Regulations to enhance enforcement against bullying in schools, with caning retained as a final disciplinary option.
Image for illustration purposes only.
Image via MalaysiakiniIn recent weeks, discussions about reintroducing caning in schools have gained momentum, not only among parliamentarians and school associations, but also among the general public
On Monday, Hulu Selangor member of parliament (MP) Mohd Hasnizan Harun voiced his strong support for reinstating the punishment, describing it as a more effective way to discipline students, reported NST.
His remarks came about two months after Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid made a similar suggestion during a discussion on measures to curb bullying, saying that the disciplinary tool serves as a strong deterrent, reported The Star.
The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) also shared the sentiment earlier this week, calling the recent gang-rape incident at a school in Melaka a "wake-up call".
The union added that corporal punishment was once part of school life, arguing that it could help teachers maintain classroom discipline, especially when dealing with stubborn or disruptive students.
Meanwhile, a Sinar Harian report in September quoted several parents who supported the idea, with one Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) president suggesting that caning should only be allowed after the child's parents have been informed.
