Latest news with #Murkam
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Act and don't cover up bullying cases: Union
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Murkam and Steve. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) is demanding stricter action on school bullies amid escalating incidents statewide. KGKS President Murkam Hussien this is urgent as bullying cases both physical and online continue without resolution. His call is in the wake of a Form One student at a Papar Islamic religious school who died after falling from the third floor of the school building. Her body was found in the drain. Advertisement 'Physical bullying cases involving students persist without definitive solution. A life cannot be replaced,' Murkam said, adding that perpetrators must face appropriate consequences. He expressed KGKS' commitment to addressing the bullying crisis and pledged support for the ongoing investigation. The organisation is working closely with the State Education Department and police to monitor case while providing counselling services to the family. The union is offering additional support as the deceased student's mother is a KGKS member, highlighting the personal impact of bullying on the education community. Meanwhile, the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Youth Council wants stronger safeguards to protect student wellbeing in school following Wednesday's incident. 'Our thoughts are with the student, their family, and all those affected, as we hope for healing and support in this difficult time,' said KDCA Youth Council Chairman, Steve Johnny Mositun. Her remains was laid to rest at the Kg Tanjung Ubi Muslim cemetery. Steve said bullying must not be taken lightly and called for collective responsibility in creating a safer environment for young people. 'We take all reports related to bullying seriously and are committed to supporting efforts that ensure schools remain safe and nurturing spaces for all students,' he said. Steve urged school authorities and communities to encourage open and honest dialogue between students and adults. 'It is vital that peer support systems, trained counsellors, and proactive intervention mechanisms are strengthened within every school across Sabah. 'We urge schools and communities to foster open dialogue where students feel safe to speak up and be heard without fear or judgment,' he said. He also called on all stakeholders, parents, teachers, and youth to work hand in hand in promoting empathy and respect. 'The KDCA Youth Council remains ready to support awareness campaigns, youth-led initiatives, and constructive engagements aimed at ending bullying in all forms.' In Sungai petani, a Form One female student was allegedly tied up and gagged by two schoolmates in a secondary school toilet here, in what police suspect was an act of bullying driven by jealousy. The 13-year-old was found with her hands and feet bound using a necktie and her mouth gagged with a handkerchief last Monday. 'Both suspects, who are also 13, admitted to committing the act out of jealousy,' BuletinTV3 wrote quoting Kuala Muda police chief Asst Comm Hanyan Ramlan. 'Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are currently being remanded under Sections 323 and 324 of the Penal Code.' Both Sections cover 'voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means' and its punishment. The incident reportedly came to light when the victim's mother, waiting outside the school at 6.30pm, became worried when her daughter failed to appear. She and a school security guard began searching the premises and found the girl in the toilet. The victim was taken to hospital for minor injuries to her legs and hands, and for trauma treatment. Her mother lodged a police report over the incident. This comes as Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki urged for a united push to recognise bullying as a crime and end its normalisation as harmless pranks. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
KGKS urges firm action against bullying
Published on: Sunday, July 20, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 20, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) has called for firm action, including heavier penalties, against bullying in the state. KGKS President Murkam Hussien ( pic ) said bullying remains a pressing concern, particularly among students, and includes both physical and cyber forms. Advertisement He highlighted a recent tragedy involving a Form One student at a religious school in Papar who died after falling from a third-floor building, believed to be linked to bullying. Murkam said KGKS is supporting the ongoing investigation and offering counselling to the student's family, noting that the mother is a union member. He added that KGKS is working closely with the State Education Department and police to monitor developments and push for long-term solutions. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah teachers call for clear guidelines on after working hours messaging
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 Text Size: Murkam said rules must also apply to those issuing instructions, not just to teachers receiving them. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) supports the National Union of Teachers in the Public Service (NUTP)'s call for the Education Ministry to issue clear guidelines on instructions sent through messaging apps like WhatsApp. KGKS President Murkam Hussien said clear rules are needed to avoid confusion, especially when teachers are asked to attend non-urgent online meetings after working hours. 'We don't want teachers to be disturbed unnecessarily by school administrators or district education offices outside of working hours,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. He stressed the importance of protecting teachers' personal time and urged the Ministry to act quickly. Murkam added that the guidelines should be easy to understand and applied consistently across all schools to avoid abuse of communication platforms. He also said teachers, especially in Sabah, often face extra challenges such as poor internet access and long travel distances, making it more important to manage work instructions properly. His statement comes as the Ministry of Education continues to monitor the use of social media among teachers. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had earlier warned that any misuse of these platforms would lead to strict disciplinary action. Murkam said rules must also apply to those issuing instructions, not just to teachers receiving them. 'This is not about avoiding responsibility. It's about setting clear limits so teachers can carry out their duties without unnecessary pressure after hours,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
KGKS backs call for clear guidelines on after-hours instructions
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) supports the National Union of Teachers in the Public Service (NUTP)'s call for the Education Ministry to issue clear guidelines on instructions sent via social apps like WhatsApp. KGKS President Murkam Hussien said clear rules are needed to prevent confusion, especially regarding non-urgent online meetings after working hours. He stressed the importance of protecting teachers' personal time and urged the ministry to act quickly. Murkam's call comes as the Education Ministry continues to monitor social media use among teachers, with Minister Fadhlina Sidek warning that misuse will lead to strict action. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Teachers' Union ‘no' to raising retirement age to 65
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) President Gundohing Murkam Hussien Kota Kinabalu: The proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65 has sparked concern over the potential impact on job opportunities for younger Malaysians. Sabah Government Teachers' Union (KGKS) President Gundohing Murkam Hussien said the move was ill-timed and should not be implemented. He said Malaysia produces over 300,000 graduates annually, including in the education sector, and warned that many would struggle to secure permanent jobs if the retirement age is extended. 'KGKS is of the view that this proposal should be rejected,' he said in a statement. Murkam was responding to a suggestion by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said who called on the Government to consider the change, citing the health and experience of workers aged 60 and above. However, Murkam argued that these factors should not be the main justification, as the move could have long-term consequences on youth development and disrupt balance in the national labour market. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
