'School spycams to stop bullying'

By Hamidah Atannews@nst.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: Closed-circuit television cameras can help reduce bullying incidents in schools.

Unfortunately, not all schools can afford to have the devices installed in their premises, Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said yesterday.

"Of course, schools can have the CCTVs, but they have to buy it using the money collected through the parent-teacher association.

"At present, we don't have plans to purchase CCTVs as our emphasis is more on holistic approaches for the sound education of our children.

"But if schools can afford it, why not? I think CCTVs can help in so many ways. If they are installed in the school hostels, I am sure bullying incidents can be reduced."
He was commenting on an incident at a secondary school in Dalat, Mukah, a coastal town in central Sarawak, where a Form Five student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Oya had lodged a report on Feb 23 claiming that 10 Sixth Formers had assaulted him at the school's boarding house.

A recording of the three-minute incident had been uploaded on YouTube and was titled "SMK Oya-style wrestling".

Police have sent the investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

Alimuddin will be going to the school this week after receiving a complete report from its headmaster and the state education director.

The New Straits Times Online: 2 Mac 2009