An opposition leader has questioned the Education Ministry’s (KPM) decision to allocate only RM3 million for the installation of CCTV cameras in selected fully residential schools (SBP), calling it insufficient and discriminatory.
Ir. Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff, PAS’s Policy and Research Department director, welcomed the move but asked why only certain schools were chosen.
“Does this mean the lives of students in non-selected schools are less important?” he asked.
Earlier, Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden and Selangor PAS Youth Chief Sukri Omar had urged KPM to equip all boarding schools with CCTV following rising concerns over student safety, especially after the recent #Justice4Zara rally.
KPM later announced the RM3 million allocation for selected SBPs, with other schools to follow in phases.
Nurul Islam criticised the disparity, pointing out government spending on other projects.
“If RM8.4 million can be spent on Jalur Gemilang badges, surely sufficient funds can be allocated to safeguard students’ safety in all boarding schools. This is a matter of safety, not something to delay,” he stressed.
He further urged KPM’s top leadership to review the allocation and raise the matter with the Prime Minister if funds were inadequate.
“If even this cannot be done, then they should just step down,” he said.
There are currently 72 SBPs nationwide, though the official number of SMKAs and daily schools with hostels has not been disclosed by KPM.
