Kuching: Installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in schools is more appropriate than spending money on Jalur Gemilang badges for students’ uniforms, said Mas Gading MP, Mordi Bimol.
Mordi expressed concerns over a recent revelation by the Ministry of Education (MOE) that its Jalur Gemilang badge programme for school uniforms had cost RM8.4 million, compared to the ministry’s mere RM3 million spending on the installation of CCTV cameras in selected boarding school campuses.
“I urge the government to reassess this expenditure and implement a more comprehensive security plan in schools.
“As a people’s representative, I respect symbolic needs such as badges that shape students’ identity. However, priority should be given to safety and student wellbeing, which form the foundation of a conducive learning environment,” he said in a statement.
He said that as the nation faces school safety issues such as bullying, external intrusions, and parents’ concerns for their children, CCTV installations should be given priority.
“Many schools, including those in rural areas, do not have complete security systems. Teachers cannot monitor every corner of the school at all times.
“CCTV can help reduce bullying and gangsterism, prevent external intrusions, and provide evidence if unwanted incidents occur,” he said.
In addition to CCTV, he suggested that the government make security fencing compulsory, enhance patrols, and strengthen cooperation with parents to improve student safety.
He added that an effective security system would not only prevent unwanted incidents but also give confidence to both parents and teachers.
Mordi, who is also DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman, further urged for more transparency in contracts awarded for the Jalur Gemilang badge project, as the public has the right to know who the main beneficiaries of the project are.
He stressed that he would continue to press the government to have this issue debated openly in Parliament, reminding that students should not be the victims of misplaced government priorities.
Last week, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the government had spent RM8.4 million to procure Jalur Gemilang badges to be distributed to over 5.14 million students nationwide.
She said the allocation covered government school students, matriculation colleges, form six colleges, and teacher training institutes, with each student receiving two free badges.
Fadhlina explained that the procurement process was carried out by state and district education offices as well as relevant institutions through the ePerolehan system, either via tender or quotation, depending on the allocation received.
According to her, the wearing of Jalur Gemilang badges is an effort by the Ministry of Education to instill patriotism and love for the country among students, in line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025.
Since April this year, the government has made it compulsory for students to wear Jalur Gemilang badges on school uniforms – a move that has received criticism from various quarters.
Among the issues raised were the additional financial burden, practical aspects, and safety risks associated with using pin badges, as well as concerns regarding transparency in the companies involved in the tender process.
