Caning punishment was never abolished - Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR - Caning punishment in schools has never been abolished and is still permitted under existing regulations.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the punishment may be imposed on male students for certain offences, but its implementation is subject to prescribed procedures and authority.

"The punishment can only be carried out by a headmaster, principal or teacher expressly authorised by the headmaster or principal.

"It is subject to specific procedures. The punishment cannot be carried out arbitrarily, out of anger or in a manner that causes injury.

"Every punishment must have a clear basis and be recorded in accordance with the regulations in force," she said at a press conference at the Parliament building on Monday.

Meanwhile, she said the Education Ministry would provide further details on the procedures from time to time to ensure that schools, parents and the public clearly understand the punishment.

She said disciplinary issues were also being addressed through 11 additional measures to enhance the safety of educational institutions, which have been implemented in stages since October 2025.

The measures include clarifying the authority of principals, headmasters and disciplinary committees in handling disciplinary cases, while allowing such authority to be delegated to teachers.

"All teachers are discipline teachers and all disciplinary actions must comply with the prescribed regulations and procedures.

"The Student Character System has been enhanced to the Student Disciplinary Misconduct System to focus on preventing disciplinary misconduct.

"We do not want the safety reform to stop at meetings, minutes or documents. The change must be felt by students, teachers and parents," she said. - BERNAMA