KUCHING: Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) agrees that teachers and school staff found involved in sexual crimes with students should be fired.
“We do not want school students to be exploited either by teachers or school staff,” said its president Zulkiflee Sebli, stressing the need for trust and responsibility on their part.
“Crime or sexual harassment should not happen on school grounds.
“Teachers and school staff should be protective of students,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday.
He was commenting on Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek recently warning teachers and school staff against sexual harassment, saying those who do will be sacked and that the ministry is committed to ensuring schools are safe for all students.
Zulkiflee stressed that students should not feel traumatised when they set foot in school.
“We do not deny that there are cases of obscenity and sexual crimes involving school members.
“But with the stern warning from the ministry, we are sure these perpetrators will think many times before doing so.
“In the meantime, we hope the MoE will take appropriate action in combating sexual crimes by improving existing modules, especially in the subject of Health Education,” he said.
He added that pupils should be more exposed to the concept of ‘safe touch’ and ‘unsafe touch’.
“Class teachers should emphasise the aspect of personal safety. In addition, teachers should also be vigilant because we fear they will become victims of defamation.
“We hope the MoE will investigate fairly if there are cases like this happening in schools. The investigation should be done transparently before punishment is handed down,” said Zulkiflee.
As for boarding schools, he said there is definitely the possibility of sexual crimes.
“So, we hope that the school wardens are careful in carrying out their duties in the hostel. Make sure the dormitory rules are followed,” he said.
