Education Ministry to review effectiveness of TinDak campaign modules

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry will review the effectiveness of the Tindak Demi Anak Kita (TinDak) campaign modules and implement comprehensive awareness campaigns across all educational institutions.

The statement, issued on Oct 15, came in response to concerns expressed by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, over a recent gang rape incident at a school in Alor Gajah, Melaka.

“Her Majesty’s order serves as a reminder to all ministry members to address issues of sexual misconduct, which negatively impacts society and the nation as a whole,” it said.

The ministry added that it would also collaborate with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to conduct a study on the influence of social media on students, as ordered by the Queen.

In a post on His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s official Facebook page on Tuesday (Oct 14), the Queen urged the ministry to review the effectiveness of the TinDak campaign modules in enhancing school safety through active parental participation.

“The ministry can review the effectiveness of the TinDak campaign modules in efforts to create safer school environments, while encouraging active parental involvement,” she said.

She recalled the launch of the Tindak campaign under the Johor Women’s League (Jewel) in May 2017, which focused on protecting children from abuse and sexual harassment.

“I will also assist in this matter, and have instructed UTM to conduct a study on the influence of social media on students.

“Schools must also keep up with current trends in Internet and social media use, both at home and in school, and re-evaluate ways to stay aligned with the times,” she said.

In the Facebook post, the Queen also said that she granted an audience to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek at Istana Negara on Oct 14 for nearly two hours.

During the meeting, several issues were discussed, including student discipline, the role of Parent-Teacher Associations, and the influence of social media on students.

Also present were Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, Policy and Curriculum Sector deputy director-general Dr Rusmini Ku Ahmad, and Melaka Education director Mahfudzah Mohamed Noor.