NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry (MoE) is addressing the widespread issue of electronic cigarette or vape use among school students.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said one of the measures taken involves visiting schools and monitoring the situation directly.
She said vaping among school students is a major disciplinary offence and a key focus for the MoE, alongside issues such as bullying and truancy.
"The ministry director-general, secretary-general and I will visit schools to introduce various approaches.
"Through these programmes, we will personally speak to students, reminding them of the discipline they must uphold.
"Besides bullying, vaping, smoking, and truancy will be part of our larger intervention efforts to address social issues at the school level," she said.
Fadhlina, who is also Nibong Tebal member of parliament, made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the My License (B2) 2024 Programme at the Main Hall, USM Engineering Campus, Transkrian, today.
She said the ministry is also working with parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and the Parent, Community, and Private Sector Engagement Programme (PIBKS) to tackle the vaping issue.
"However, the role and responsibility of parents must also be enhanced, especially in monitoring their children's activities at home," she said.
She said students caught smoking or vaping would have their offences recorded in the Student Discipline Management System (SSDM) for intervention by guidance and counselling teachers.
In addition to existing guidelines, the ministry implements various preventive education programmes, such as the Anti-Drug Badge Scheme and the Five-Minute Anti-Smoking and Anti-Vaping Programme, she said.
"Furthermore, the MoE is running the Healthy Living: Prevent Smoking and Vaping Programme to curb the trend of students adopting these habits."This initiative aims to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and vaping and to foster strong character among students," she said.
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