This is the first article in a three-part series on teacher training and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within Malaysian schools. We spoke to educationists, the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), and the Parent Action Group for Education to gather their advice and recommendations on handling these matters effectively.
SHAH ALAM – Recently, there has been concern over the disciplinary methods employed by some educators as reports of children being subjected to harsh and sometimes brutal punishments surface.
Several cases in the country have sparked outrage among parents and advocacy groups, with many parents questioning whether legal action should be considered to protect their children’s rights and well-being.
One notable case was an 11-year-old student who was forced by his teacher to stand in the sun for nearly three hour in May. He was left disabled as a result of the heatstroke he suffered.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim recently said that the parents of the affected students should sue the minister, ministry, National Registration Department, District Education Offices and principals.
"The teacher should be removed from the education system. Nonetheless, the Education ministry has deep pockets and can afford to drag the case to the detriment of the affected parents," she said when contacted in regards to the 11-year-old boy’s case.
Azimah also emphasised the importance of encouraging students to wear caps during hot weather and to use eyeshades to protect their retinas.
She suggested that parents should raise these concerns at the upcoming Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) Annual General Meeting as a precautionary step and seek clarification on existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
In a related matter, Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) Commissioner Professor Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal stressed the importance of schools refraining from punishing students by exposing them to the hot sun.
"Even if the weather isn't too hot, students should not be made to stand for three hours.
"So, it's crucial to clarify the facts, and I believe it's imperative for the Ministry, especially school staff, to adhere to directives on handling student issues.
"I think they must strictly follow the directive on how to discipline students. It's inappropriate to punish students in such a manner, but in this case, I don't even think it was meant to be a punishment," she said.
She highlighted that in the incident, the student was simply reporting being bullied, and in terms of discipline, it was crucial to ensure that there was no form of student torture.
Aziah stressed that exposing students to the hot sun was not sanctioned by the Education Ministry’s directives.
She said that if such incidents occurred, parents should consider legal action against the ministry, schools and the teachers involved.
Meanwhile, educationist and former Universiti Malaya professor Tan Sri Dr T Marimuthu expressed strong disapproval of making students stand in the hot sun for three hours as a disciplinary measure.
He said that such incidents were unacceptable and bordered on cruelty.
He described the incident as very cruel and deeply saddening.
"However, considering climate change, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius and even 50 in some countries, it's simply not acceptable.
"So, this incident is regrettable. We must learn from it, and both schools and the Education Ministry must take decisive action," he said when contacted recently.
Marimuthu stressed the importance of teachers and everyone being aware of global issues like climate change.
"Teachers need to be sensitive to the impact of climate change on teaching and learning.
"In some places, temperatures can be very high such as in India, where temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius,” he said.
Marimuthu said that while such extremes might not be common here, people were experiencing increasing heat, which could make teaching uncomfortable despite schools being well-ventilated with fans, open windows and in some cases, air conditioning.
Therefore, he emphasised that the effects of climate change were already noticeable in classrooms.
Teachers should take into account such weather conditions before making any decisions or taking actions.