The number of school wardens across Malaysia has surged by 68.5%, rising from 6,055 in 2022 to 10,204 this year, with three wardens now assigned to every 50 hostel students, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh announced in Parliament today.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session, Wong outlined the Education Ministry’s efforts to curb bullying and enhance safety in schools and hostels. “Wardens in residential schools act not only as supervisors but also as local guardians, guiding discipline and character,” he said. “Teachers are empowered to take disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, against bullies, and this must be upheld by all parties.”
Responding to concerns raised by Dr Halimah Ali (PN–Kapar) and Adnan Abu Hasan (BN–Kuala Pilah) about bullying, emotional management, and warden adequacy, Wong noted that the ministry is open to hiring full-time wardens or retired police and military personnel, a practice already in place at Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSMs). He also highlighted that teacher-wardens, appointed from the Members of Implementing Group (AKP), are performing their duties effectively.
To strengthen safety measures, the ministry has audited 735 schools nationwide under the Education Institution Safety Reform Committee, established to bolster the Sekolah Selamat (Safe School) programme. The audits assessed safety procedures, compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), lighting, warden numbers, and record management. The committee includes representatives from academia, government agencies, non-governmental organisations such as Unicef, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), and local universities.
“The Education Ministry will not compromise on bullying cases in schools or other institutions. We have taken firm and comprehensive steps to ensure student safety,” Wong emphasised.
The ministry is also investing in training, with 3,752 school administrators trained as of October 2025 in student affairs, discipline management, counselling, legal literacy, and the in loco parentis (in place of a parent) concept, particularly for wardens. Additionally, the ministry has allocated RM3 million to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in 200 hostels to enhance security.
In collaboration with the police, the ministry will launch an Anti-Bullying Campaign on October 14, 2025, involving senior officials, teachers, wardens, parent-teacher associations, and students to raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of bullying. A joint meeting with the police on October 28, 2025, will further address disciplinary issues, criminal activities, and drug-related offences among students to foster a safer school environment.
The ministry continues to work with the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) and the National Legal Academy to train school leaders on the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792) and their responsibilities under the in loco parentis principle, ensuring a robust framework for student safety and well-being.
About The Author
