GEORGE TOWN — Authorities have installed 75 new closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in three secondary schools within the Tanjong constituency as part of efforts to enhance student safety. The project, costing RM95,000, covers SM Westlands, St Xavier’s Institution, and SMKA (P) Al-Mashoor, schools which previously had limited CCTV coverage.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying announced the installations during the "Zero Tolerance for Violence: Respect the Boundaries" programme held at SMKA (P) Al-Mashoor on Thursday. She noted that two other secondary schools in the area—Hutchings Form Six College and Methodist Girls’ School—already have CCTV systems aligned with Education Ministry guidelines.

Lim highlighted that schools, alongside homes, must serve as safe environments for students. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Timur Laut Education Office and reflects the government’s broader commitment to protecting children and adolescents from violence and harassment.

In addition to the physical safety measures, Lim emphasized the role of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) in providing a legal framework to address sexual harassment. The Act established the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment, offering victims an alternative route for seeking justice that is reportedly simpler, faster, and more cost-effective than traditional legal proceedings.

The event was attended by approximately 350 Form Three students from 14 secondary schools in the Timur Laut district. A similar programme aimed at educating students on personal boundaries and the importance of recognizing and reporting sexual harassment was recently conducted at SMJK Chung Ling in Butterworth.

The combination of infrastructure upgrades and educational initiatives underscores ongoing governmental efforts to foster safer and more supportive learning environments across the region.