Should caning return?

SHAH ALAM – Education experts express differing views on whether caning should be reinstated as a disciplinary measure, as concerns grow over rising indiscipline and juvenile misconduct among students.

The call for the return of caning came as some educationists warned that the country’s education system is losing its role as a pillar of social control without firm disciplinary action in schools.

Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Dr Roslizam Hassan said that for this reason, caning should be reinstated as a form of prudent discipline for teachers.

He added that its implementation must come with clear training and guidelines for teachers to prevent any misuse of power.

“The majority of teachers know their limits, but due to fear of legal action from parents, many choose to stay silent; they do not reprimand, do not enforce discipline and no longer dare to show firmness.

“When this happens, the education system loses its function as a tool of social control. What we are seeing today, such as bullying, fights, and even crimes in schools, is part of the ‘harvest’ from a situation where teachers have lost the courage to educate with firmness,” he said.

Roslizam emphasised that caning should be viewed as a final step, not as an act of punishment, but as a tool to educate and instill respect for rules.

He added that caning is still legally allowed in an educational context, but it must be done privately, without humiliation or injury.

He further said that excessive punishment can be categorised as a criminal offence.

Roslizam also proposed legal protection for teachers who take disciplinary action in good faith, describing them as the frontliners in shaping a disciplined and moral generation, not the enemies of our children.

However, he stressed that discipline begins at home, with parents responsible for instilling values and religious education before schools complement those efforts.

The Counterargument: Caning No Longer Suitable

Meanwhile, former Education Ministry Director-General Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom called for careful discussions among experts, legal practitioners, policymaker, and the community before any move to bring back caning is made.

He said there needed to be a discussion to determine whether it was appropriate to reinstate caning.

However, Alimuddin felt that caning is no longer suitable today.

“According to the principles of education, students should not be emotionally pressured. We can educate by providing guidance, advice, and perspective. Therefore, taking physical action is no longer appropriate,” he added.

He said that parents, communities and enforcement agencies must work together to raise awareness and provide guidance to address social issues among youth, while programmes such as talks, discussions and school collaborations should continue to promote moral and social education.