Anwar says unchecked social media use fuelling crime in schools, to direct Cabinet to tighten controls

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said he will instruct Cabinet ministers to consider stricter measures on social media use at the next weekly Cabinet meeting.

Responding to the recent spate of criminal incidents in Malaysian schools, Anwar said the unchecked use of social media was responsible for driving most of these cases.

“The responsibility of course goes back to parents and schools, but almost all of these issues stem from the (unchecked) use of mobile phones and social media.

“So maybe today or tomorrow, I will instruct the Cabinet to take stern action on this matter.

“It will definitely trigger mixed reactions but there must be action taken on the use of social media,” he told reporters after attending the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

His response followed a series of criminal incidents involving school students over the past week.

A Form Four student was found dead near the girls’ toilet at her school in Bandar Utama yesterday after she was allegedly stabbed by a Form Two student, reportedly due to unrequited feelings.

The suspect is expected to be brought to the Petaling Jaya Magistrates’ Court today for a remand application.

Last week, four Form Five students were arrested and remanded for six days for their alleged involvement in the gang rape of a Form Three student in Alor Gajah, Melaka.

[Source: Malay Mail]