KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said today CCTV cameras will be installed at strategic spots throughout schools, particularly areas where bullying cases have happened in the past such as ironing rooms.

The Anwar government had pledged a total RM8 million to place cameras in schools and hostels after a growing number of bullying and violent cases — some lethal — sparked public uproar and concerns about student safety.

Wong told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time the installation of the cameras began in October. Out of 200 schools identified for the project, CCTV cameras have been installed in 149 of them, the deputy minister said.

“We started the procurement immediately and installation work in phases began on October 13, which reflects our commitment to ensure safety in schools is a top priority. Up to now, cameras have been installed in 149 out of 200 schools, making the completion rate at 75 per cent,” he said.

“As for placement of the CCTV cameras, we ARE prioritising balancing privacy and safety based on CGSO recommendations. 

“Hence, the cameras were installed at strategic public spaces such as main hostel pathways including entrance ways and exits, staircases and corridors, dining halls, prep rooms, ironing rooms and all locations that are isolated and quiet,” Wong added.

Bullying cases in Malaysia’s schools have risen sharply in the last ten years, alarming parents and prompting the government to introduce laws specifically to address bullying. The Education Ministry recorded 3,883 reported cases of bullying in primary and secondary schools in 2022, and the number rose to 6,528 cases by 2023, former director-general Azman Adnan said in December 2024.

There were 6,208 bullying cases in schools between January and October 2024, according to official data.