NST Leader: A grim reminder for all varsities
IT'S a murder most sickening: the killing of 20-year-old undergraduate Maniisha is perhaps unprecedented in its nature. Her body was discovered slumped in her University of Cyberjaya dormitory room on June 24. In their murder classification, police established Maniisha's cause of death as blunt force trauma to her head. The Sarawakian was apparently alone in the hostel after her housemates left for the mid-year semester break. Some of her valuables, including a laptop, mobile phone, ATM card and cash, were missing. Multiple ATM withdrawals were made after her murder. From an outsider's perspective, it appears that Maniisha was the victim of a robbery who, in resisting her intruder (or intruders), was hit with a fatal blow to the head. As there was no sign of forced entry, it suggests that she knew her attacker (or attackers).
Maniisha's murder has raised questions over the safety of University of Cyberjaya's students' accommodation. Social media is abuzz about the alleged lack of security measures there. The Higher Education Ministry has urged universities to take full responsibility in providing comprehensive student protection. Police have implored universities to screen students' housing, especially off-campus facilities, for suitability, safety and security. To be sure, most universities have security measures in place, but a murder like this will terrify parents, whose only concern should be their children's academic performance, not whether they are in grave danger.
Like any establishment where people reside, work or congregate, universities must enhance surveillance, install CCTV cameras and properly manage entry. Security personnel should work with the nearest police station if rapid law enforcement support is needed. Universities should also initiate safety awareness programmes for faculty staff and students, perhaps even organise self-defence classes. Students must stay vigilant and report suspicious activities. Encourage students to care for their belongings and avoid bringing valuables to reduce risks. Get them to establish buddy systems when they are out at night or using public transport. While we won't know yet if Maniisha's murder was avoidable if there were better safety and security measures, all universities should now reevaluate their security procedures. Universities are now put on notice. If another such incident occurs, it will not be an aberration. It will be a blatant sign of negligence and a systemic failure.
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Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Selangor top cop calls for safer student-only hostels after Cyberjaya killing in off-campus unit
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Hostel security gap raises alarm
PETALING JAYA: Educational institutions in Malaysia need to build a system where safety protocols, from staff vigilance to student awareness, are embedded into daily routines, says criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy. 'University campuses are supposed to be secure sanctuaries for intellectual growth, self-discovery and personal safety. ALSO READ: Police urge stricter checks on off-campus housing 'While universities often claim to have around-the-clock security and restricted access, many students report a different reality,' said the former lecturer, who has headed Universiti Sains Malaysia's security department and other universities overseas in the past. Weak enforcement of visitor logs, under-trained guards, malfunctioning CCTV systems and the absence of emergency protocols appear to be common across Malaysian campuses, he added. 'If a perpetrator could enter, remain undetected and commit murder in a hostel room, then it raises profound questions. 'Was there no control to access? Were there no security patrols? Was the CCTV system functioning or was one even installed? Where was the supervisory framework? 'Security is not just about equipment and technology. It's about culture. 'Many institutions still treat security as an afterthought rather than a core responsibility. At a minimum, hostels must have access control mechanisms such as digital key cards, biometrics and automated logs that track entries and exits,' he said. Sundramoorthy also said there should be female security officers in female hostels and trained emergency responders who can act swiftly in case of threats. 'Student hostels are not commercial buildings but living spaces filled with young people in their most formative years. 'It is not enough to merely offer education. Universities or colleges must guarantee protection, dignity and peace of mind for their students,' he said. Noting that there are currently no binding national standards governing hostel safety across Malaysian universities, he called on the Higher Education Ministry to promptly establish such a framework complete with enforceable protocols, independent audits, operator licensing and student complaint mechanisms. He referred to security protocols in developed education institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and Singapore, where student hostels are treated as high-risk zones requiring professional security systems and management. He noted that Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has facial recognition-based access and that in many US universities, campus-wide emergency alert systems are linked to local police stations and campus security. Some Australian and European education institutions provide mandatory night-time security audits and female-only floor protocols, Sundramoorthy added. Security in areas such as hostels and dorms, especially those housing female residents, can be enhanced with advanced technology, said Datuk J. Narasingarao, who has worked in the security industry for 35 years. The owner of Reeliance Security Services was asked to comment on the safety of women hostels, which has been an issue after the brutal murder of 20-year-old Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara in her hostel room at a private university in Cyberjaya on June 24. 'With the equipment and facilities available today, we can install another level of checkpoint without compromising the freedom and privacy for residents. 'A proper CCTV system combined with the latest technology is available at reasonable prices and can be installed at the main pathways to curb intruders. 'This should be accompanied with notifications in strategic places to remind people that they are being watched, along with a proper control room with scheduled maintenance and supervision. 'There should also be a back-up security system and random checks on movements, as sometimes these touch-and-go applications can be transferred to other people, and visitor registers might not be checked,' he said. For students, he added, the orientation they get before they enter dorms and hostels is important. There must be strict, regimented deterrents. 'While we believe in the freedom of the residents, their safety is the top priority for those hired to handle the security,' he said. He said his firm has managed residential hostels and dorms of private universities, but the cost is high as the risks and obligations are higher than normal.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Cyberjaya University suspends two students amid ongoing murder investigation, tightens security
CYBERJAYA (June 28): The University of Cyberjaya has suspended two students believed to be linked to the murder investigation of 20-year-old student Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara. In a statement today, the university said the suspensions took effect early Friday and reflected its zero-tolerance policy toward safety breaches. This follows the arrest of three suspects — two women and a man, aged 19 and 20 — who are currently under a seven-day remand to assist police investigations. They were apprehended in Johor Baru and Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan, and are being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. Maniishapriet, a Bachelor of Physiotherapy student from Kuching, was found unconscious in her off-campus accommodation on Tuesday morning. She was pronounced dead shortly after police arrived at the scene. Sepang police said there were no signs of forced entry or sexual assault but reported that the victim had suffered head injuries consistent with blunt force trauma. Several belongings, including her laptop, phone, ATM card, and cash, were also missing. In response to the incident, the university has implemented tighter security measures at off-campus accommodations, including deploying additional security personnel and increasing patrols. 'The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our utmost priority. 'We are deeply saddened by the recent events and are taking firm, immediate steps to ensure our community feels protected and supported,' said Vice Chancellor Professor Dr David Whitford. The university urged the public to avoid speculation or spreading unverified information, pledging full cooperation with authorities and the release of verified updates as investigations progress. Police investigations are ongoing. – Malay Mail
