KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has called for support and cooperation from parents in monitoring their children's use of electronic smoking devices, including vapes.
Its minister, Fadhlina Sidek, said parental involvement is important, particularly in overseeing their children's purchases or activities outside school hours.
She said strict guidelines have been implemented at the school level, and disciplinary action will be taken against students who violate school rules related to such activities.
"I think the emphasis we have made through these guidelines is in tackling social issues such as vaping, smoking, bullying, truancy, drugs and more… and we regularly remind schools about them.
"But we still need the support and assistance from parents to monitor their children's activities, especially when it comes to what they are buying or doing outside of school," Fadhlina said at a press conference after launching the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) guidelines here today.
On Nov 16, the Fadhlina said the ministry is addressing the widespread issue of electronic cigarette or vape use among school students.
Fadhlina 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.