"Tell Me At Which School" - Education Minister Requests More Info On Period Spot Checks
Mohd Radzi said the ministry's investigations into the claims so far have found no indication that the practice exists.
By May Vin Ang — 27 Apr 2021, 11:34 AM
The Ministry of Education (MOE) can only take further action if they have more details on the unacceptable practice of period spot checks that occur in schools
"If it happens, tell me at which school, so action can be taken," said Education Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin when asked to comment about the allegations of sexual harassment in boarding schools at a media conference on Monday, 26 April.
The practice of period spot checks came to light on social media when several victims described how teachers conducted physical checks on them to prove they are menstruating as to not escape fasting and prayers during Ramadan.
Some alleged that the practice has been going on for the past 20 years.
However, Mohd Radzi said the ministry's investigations into the claims so far have found no indication that the practice exists
According to Bernama, he stressed that his ministry will take action on the boarding schools if they have more complete details.
Citing a recent case involving a school in Johor that was segregating students into co-curricular activities based on race and gender, the Education Minister said the MOE had immediately conducted an investigation and addressed the matter after finding out it was indeed happening.
"But for that (period spot check) issue, we're drilling until now, we are checking one by one, we've asked all divisions and the answer was no (such practices existed)," he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Radzi also condemned the teacher who was called out by a student on TikTok for making rape jokes in class
The Education Minister said the teacher was out of line but the ministry will not take action as the incident has become a police case.
"But the act should not have happened, all of us do not agree (with the teacher's actions), moreover it involves the manners and integrity of our children," he said.
According to the MOE, to lodge a formal complaint regarding period spot checks or other forms of sexual harassment happening in schools, you can:
- Visit their online Public Complaints Management System,
- E-mail [email protected], or
- Contact them at +03-88846456.
