Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin said there has been a surge in reports of teachers sexually assaulting students, raising “serious concerns” about the safety of children in schools.
He said access to an anonymous reporting channel could give them the courage to report inappropriate behaviour “before it is too late”.
Mak also called for harsher punishments for those found guilty of sexual crimes and stronger screening and monitoring of new teachers.
He also expressed concern that the disciplinary action taken against perpetrators was often too lenient and not enforced swiftly enough.
Citing a recent case involving a married teacher and sports coach accused of grooming a student, Mak said the misconduct only came to light after a photo of their intimate act was reported—yet the teacher was merely suspended.
“I’m worried the coach may repeat his behaviour if he is allowed to return to his position,” he said.
Red flags
Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia associate professor and criminologist Geshina Ayu Mat Saat highlighted the importance of recognising early behavioural warning signs in teachers.
She said red flags could include spending excessive time with certain students or offering them unexplained gifts or privileges.
Geshina explained that teacher-perpetrated sexual abuse is rarely spontaneous. It usually follows a calculated pattern of grooming, secrecy and emotional manipulation—all of which contribute to silencing the victim.
“Victims often fear stigma, disbelief, retaliation, or future victimisation by others,” she said.
“Until we confront this with honesty, empathy and systemic reform, predators will continue to hide behind chalkboards and prayer mats.”
She added that educating students about bodily autonomy and safe boundaries is crucial in helping them recognise and understand inappropriate behaviour.
Geshina also proposed mandatory psychosocial assessments for teachers—both to evaluate their fitness for duty and to identify potential mental health issues.