Malaysia weighs caning, tighter phone ban amid alarm over rising violence in schools

But observers say real problem lies in adult neglect, mental distress of students

- Muzliza Mustafa Malaysia Correspondent and Hazlin Hassan Malaysia Correspondent

A teacher of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, using a metal detector to screen students before they entered the school compound on Oct 16, following the fatal stabbing of a student. ST PHOTO: SHARIL AZRI

(ST PHOTO: SHARIL AZRI)

Malaysia is considering reviving the use of caning and tightening the ban on smartphones in schools, while curbing the use of social media for those under 16, as part of broader efforts to curb rising indiscipline, bullying and violent behaviour among young people.

But observers say the real problem lies in neglect, mental strain and a school system struggling to keep up.

The proposals follow a wave of violence in schools over the past few months which has reignited public debate over student safety, moral education and the effectiveness of school discipline.

Among other incidents, a gang rape case in Melaka and a statutory rape case in Kedah were exposed only after videos recorded on the perpetrators’ smartphones were circulated.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 17 said the government is open to allowing teachers to administer caning under strict guidelines to restore order in schools, though he stressed the need for a balanced approach grounded in “care and compassion”.

“Schools must not cover up bullying cases. Even in minor incidents, teachers should advise and, if necessary, administer caning as a form of reprimand,” he said in Putrajaya.

“While human rights groups may see this as excessive, in certain cases we need to allow some flexibility, with tight safeguards in place.”

Besides the two rape cases, Malaysia is also reeling from the Oct 14 brutal killing of a 16-year-old and a sexual assault case in Selangor, as well as bullying incidents in Sabah and Johor since early 2025.