Answer for Oral Question PL310

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI MOHD. SALLEH BIN HAJI OTHMAN requested the MINISTER OF EDUCATION to state the Government’s strategies and action plans to prevent violence among students through a comprehensive approach involving early intervention, character education, mental health, school safety, as well as cooperation with parents and relevant agencies.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan

The Ministry of Education takes seriously any issue of disciplinary non-compliance occurring in schools, even if it does not reach the level of violence. Various approaches under the Whole-School Approach have been implemented, namely:

First, through discipline monitoring and management. The Department of Schools, through the Student Well-being Unit, collects data on disciplinary cases to identify trends and plan more targeted intervention programmes. The Ministry also has the Government Educational Institutions’ Rules and Guidelines on Discipline Handbook as a guide for schools. In addition, several remedial measures have been implemented, such as internal suspension with counselling sessions, character development programmes, community service, as well as tarbiyah-building programmes.

Second, through the Program Sahsiah Pelajar (PSP), which is based on the components of Physical, Spiritual, Creativity and Service, students are nurtured with the values of discipline, leadership, emotional control and mutual respect. This programme is strengthened through character-building activities, resilience development, as well as the Kumpulan Bertindak A.T.E.A.M., which increases awareness of social issues.

Third, through the Program Pembimbing Rakan Remaja (PRR) and Program BEST (Bantu, Empati, Sokongan, Tanggungjawab), implemented by the Counselling Division. These programmes aim to safeguard well-being and mental health by providing psychosocial support, building empathy, and creating a safe and inclusive school environment.

Fourth, through Program G.I.N.I.S., Five Minutes Talk, as well as the Program Kesedaran Anti-Buli dan Keselamatan Jalan Raya, including the Pertandingan Drama Anti-Buli Sekolah-Sekolah Rendah Senegara and the Pertandingan Sketsa Keselamatan Jalan Raya Sekolah-Sekolah Rendah dan Menengah Senegara, to increase awareness of discipline, safety and violence prevention.

The implementation of these programmes is also strengthened through close cooperation among schools, parents, the community and agencies such as the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Internal Security Department, the Islamic Da'wah Centre and other relevant agencies.