KLANG: Joint programmes between police and schools have been hailed as a way to reduce social problems among students.

Muniandy Rathiah, who is head of the Mobile Patrol Vehicles (MPV) unit at the South Klang traffic police station, said programmes where schools invited the police to give talks to students were a good initiative to deter them from becoming involved in unhealthy activities.

Speaking to FMT, he said the police focus on such programmes mainly towards the end of the year, especially for Standard Six students who have just completed their UPSR examination.

“This can be seen as preparation for those who will enter secondary school, as the tendency for them to get involved in illegal activities is high if no one advises them beforehand.

“It is important for them to understand the culture, behaviour and situations that they are going to face.”

Muniandy said he had handled many such programmes at schools throughout the Klang Valley, advising students on issues such as gangsterism, bullying and sexual harassment.

He added that schools must also play their part by making the effort to liaise with the police to curb these social problems.

Vijayaletchumy Muniandy, the senior assistant of student affairs at SKJT Simpang Lima here agreed, saying joint programmes with the police would prepare students who were about to enter secondary school and help them deal with their new surroundings.

“We have been inviting the police from different branches to come and give talks to our Standard Six students, especially, since 2014.

“It really benefits the students, who will be exposed to many social problems, so that they will be aware of these and know how to behave.”

Vijayaletchumy said she could see the changes in her students after they attended these programmes, adding that they were given tips and helpful information on how to deal with secondary school life.

She said the school would continue to hold similar programmes in the future.