09/09/2025

TUESDAY | SEPT 9, 2025

3 Caning debate, where should schools draw the line?

Retired educators

defend rotan as last resort PETALING JAYA: While some argue corporal punishment has no place in modern education, several retired teachers believe that if done properly and with accountability, caning can still play a role in shaping discipline and behaviour. Speaking to theSun on condition of anonymity, three former educators voiced support for reintroducing caning in schools, not merely as punishment, but as a reminder that every action has consequences. Aminah, 62, who taught in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, said caning should never be the first option. “It’s the last resort and not meant to injure. Before caning is carried out, schools must follow SOP. It’s only used when all other methods fail and even then it’s done in a controlled setting.” Offences are already classified into three levels – minor, moderate and major. Incomplete homework or disobedience are considered minor, while bullying falls under major, particularly when it causes psychological or physical harm. “Bullying often begins with verbal abuse like swearing and mocking. Students usually model what they see from adults, including parents and leaders.” Recalling her years in Sabah, Aminah said discipline was often handled in partnership with parents. “For instance, smoking cases. We would inform parents and sometimes they themselves would cane their child. That cooperation made a difference and repeat offences were rare.” She stressed that discipline must be viewed as long-term. “We need to think 30 or 40 years ahead. The students we teach today will be the adults shaping society tomorrow. Instilling discipline early is vital.” Dewi, 66, a former teacher in the north, felt changes in parenting culture had fuelled discipline problems. “Some parents today are overly protective, defending their children without understanding the context. Not all, but it’s becoming more common.” She said such attitudes undermine teachers’ authority and embolden misbehaviour. “Our system does not give teachers enough support. Instead of being empowered, teachers are scrutinised or blamed when things go wrong.” Liza, 63, who served as principal in well known schools in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, said teachers need the authority to shape behaviour. “Most of us know how to treat students fairly – we don’t disturb the disciplined ones. But when we can’t even raise our voice without backlash, how do we deal with problematic students?” She lamented that some children arrive at school already spoilt and ‘untouchable’. “But there are some students, after being caned they thanked us. They understood why. Counselling should accompany the punishment to explain its purpose. Sadly, school counsellors are often swamped with administrative work instead of focusing on students.” She added that many youth problems stem from unstable family environments. “Fathers are doing mothers’ roles, mothers are working all day and the emotional nurturing is missing. No one is monitoring these children. “Many end up dropping out, turning to drugs or crime.” – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Parents and educators weigh in on the role of corporal punishment amid calls for clearer guidelines and alternative approaches

more lasting results, provided all stakeholders – schools, students and parents – commit fully. “If one party shirks responsibility, the outcome will fall short,” she stressed, adding that comprehensive studies should be undertaken to determine the best disciplinary models for Malaysia. Referring to the death of alleged bully victim Zara Qairina Mahathir, Azizan said urgent action was needed. “Bullying is now widespread and severe. “Schools, meant to be safe spaces, are increasingly becoming arenas of aggression,” she warned. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE director-general Maj Gen Datuk Semaon Marjuki confirmed the appointments as part of Mara’s pilot initiative. He said four men and four women were selected after passing the required tests and interviews. For parents like Mohd Fadzli and Qurnisha, the message is clear: caning, when carefully regulated, should not be dismissed as outdated. Instead, it should be viewed as a disciplinary tool that complements – rather than replaces – counselling and other rehabilitative approaches. teachers today face unnecessary challenges from overprotective parents, which can undermine students’ resilience and sense of responsibility. “In our home, we still uphold the values we were raised with. If a child needs to be punished, it should be done, but the reason must be explained. Caning isn’t about lashing out. Timing and method matter.” She also shared that her husband practises caning when necessary, but with strict boundaries. “He only canes our sons on the soles of their feet. Afterwards, he sits down with them, calms them and explains why they were punished. The anger doesn’t linger. It’s never done blindly or violently.” Former teacher and ex-warden Mushitah Abu, 62, proposed that boarding schools nationwide adopt the approach taken by Mara Junior Science Colleges, which have begun employing retired police and military personnel as full-time wardens under a pilot project aimed at tackling bullying and enhancing student discipline. “Although this may require more government spending, I strongly believe it can be effective. Teachers should focus on educating and shaping future leaders, not be burdened with supervising teenagers in their dorms.” Eight army veterans officially began their duties as hostel wardens at two campuses – one in Besut, Terengganu and another in Balik Pulau, Penang on Aug 18. Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department

PETALING JAYA: The debate over corporal punishment in schools continues to divide opinion. While education experts caution against the risks of caning, some parents believe it still has a role, provided it is carried out with clear guidelines and the right intent. Manager at a Johor-based company Mohd Fadzli Farid, 39, said caning should be permitted to address serious misconduct, but emphasised the need for regulation to prevent abuse. “Teachers should be allowed to cane students for disciplinary purposes. But to prevent misuse or excessive force, there must be proper SOP (standard operating procedure) in place. For example, the cane shouldn’t be too thick and the force and method of caning

school-going children Qurnisha Hamka, 36, echoed this view. Having grown up during a time when caning was common, she believes it can still be effective if done with care and purpose. “I’m okay with caning, as long as it’s meant to teach and is not done out of anger. I do struggle now as a parent – on one hand, I want to protect my children’s feelings, but on the other, if they’re not disciplined, how will they learn?”. A former journalist, Qurnisha stressed that effective discipline requires balance and communication. She noted that

should be standardised,” he said in WhatsApp remarks to theSun. He added that many students today are spoilt due to being coddled at home and some parents appear to have lost sight of effective discipline. “Parents need to learn how to be truly effective, firm but nurturing. Minor offences can be addressed through lighter punishments such as deducting merit points or assigning school-cleaning tasks. But for serious issues involving integrity, crime or bullying, caning should be considered.” Businesswoman and mother of

Pressure grows for structured discipline as bullying cases rise. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Expert pushes for holistic discipline PETALING JAYA: Caning has long been used to instil discipline in Malaysian schools, but experts say its relevance must be weighed against today’s educational realities. monitoring, counselling and fair disciplinary action involving teachers, parents and students. She said while some Asean nations still practise caning, others have scrapped it in favour of rehabilitative approaches. A one size-fits-all mindset, she said, no longer works. Regulations such as the

“In families where it is culturally accepted, the impact may differ greatly from those who view it as harmful.” While corporal punishment is often tied to cultural and religious norms, global evidence suggests its impact is largely short-term. “It may instil fear temporarily, but the long-term effects – antisocial behaviour, emotional scars, even violence, are more damaging.” She cited Sweden as an example, which banned physical punishment in favour of non-violent methods that nurture children’s psychological and social development. She said counselling, mentoring and awareness programmes offer far

Assoc Prof Dr Azizan Zainuddin of Universiti Teknologi Mara said corporal punishment should never be seen as the only or best tool, even in bullying cases. “Caning is a last resort after all softer methods have failed. But when used wrongly, it risks fuelling resentment or trauma.” Azizan urged schools to adopt a multi-layered framework before resorting to the cane. This should include clear rules, consistent

Education Regulations (School Discipline) 1959 should also be reviewed for relevance, with teachers trained thoroughly in disciplinary roles. From a parental perspective, Azizan said the effectiveness of physical punishment remains highly subjective.