BINTULU – A collaborative effort involving educational institutions, families, and the wider community is essential to establish secure and supportive learning environments for students.
This call for unity was emphasised during a visit to SMK Bintulu by local assemblyman Ts. Johnny Pang Leong Ming.
The Tanjong Batu Assemblyman stressed that schools must be protected as spaces where education is delivered effectively and received positively by pupils.
He articulated that beyond pursuing academic achievement, these institutions carry a fundamental duty to develop students’ character and instil positive social values.
“Schools should cultivate respect, kindness, and unity as part of their culture,” Johnny Pang stated. He argued that embedding these principles from an early stage is the most effective method to prevent bullying and violent behaviour from emerging.
The visit, which included inspections of current facility upgrades, was also attended by Bintulu District Education Officer Samri Suhaili and Inspector Mohd Fazar Dullah from the local Crime Prevention and Community Safety Unit. The presence of law enforcement underscored the multi-agency approach being adopted.
Johnny Pang highlighted that safeguarding pupils is a responsibility that must be shared. He pointed to the critical function of School Liaison Officers in overseeing and preserving security within educational premises.
He also acknowledged that recent incidents concerning safety in schools serve as a sobering reminder for constant alertness.
“I have requested the police to increase patrols and monitoring within and around school compounds,” he confirmed.
He explained that a consistent police presence not only enhances immediate security but also serves as a powerful deterrent against potential bullying and other misconduct.
Alongside security measures, the assemblyman emphasised the importance of proactive education. He advocated for awareness initiatives designed to help students comprehend the various forms and serious consequences of bullying.
Such programmes, he suggested, are vital for nurturing empathy and compassion amongst peers.
In his concluding remarks, he reiterated that the task of ensuring a safe school environment cannot fall solely on teachers or the police force. He called for a broader societal commitment to the issue.
“It requires collective commitment from parents, educators, and the wider community,” Johnny Pang asserted. He concluded that only through robust cooperation can society hope to effectively reduce youth-related crime and foster a lasting culture of care and mutual respect.
The engagement reflects the ongoing partnership between local government, law enforcement agencies, and educational bodies to prioritise the welfare and security of students in Bintulu’s schools.
