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Introduction PERLIS GSHS 2012

1.1.6 Policies Related to Social Issues

The National Child Policy (10) and the National Child Protection Policy (11) emphasize
on the right of the child for survival, development, protection, rehabilitation and
participation. These policies are in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(CRC) (12) and Child Act 2001(13). In line with the Child Act 2001, school authorities can
refer students in need of protection to the Welfare Department who act as the “Protector”
for the child.

In 2009, the National Policy on Social and Reproductive Health Education was introduced
(14). In line with this policy, several modules have been developed to empower school
children on sexual reproductive health knowledge and skills.

1.1.7 Other Related Activities

A national committee, the Jawatankuasa 3K (3K Committee) was established by the Ministry of
Education in 2007 to focus on issues related to cleanliness, health and safety in schools (15).
Subsequent to this, committees at various levels (states, district and school) were formed to
monitor the activities within the scope of these committees.

Various circulars also exist towards ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of the
schoolchildren.To address issues like bullying, violence and drug abuse, Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas
Bil.8/2010: Garis Panduan Mencegah dan Menangani Perbuatan Buli Dalam Kalangan Murid di
Sekolah(16)andSuratPekelilingIkhtisasBil.6/2000:MenanganiMasalahKeselamatan,DadahDan
Gengster (17) were circulated.

Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) also play a major role towards the success of programmes for
the adolescents in school. In recognition of this, the Ministry of Education has established PTAs
in all schools (18).

1.2 Research in Adolescent Health

A national study, theYouth Behaviour Risk Factor Surveillance (YBRFS) was conducted by the Institute
for Health Behavioural Research in 2010. This study involved 4,088 students in Forms 1, 2 and 4 from
50 secondary schools (19). The Global Youth Tobacco Surveys were conducted in 2003 and 2009, to
obtain information on tobacco consumption and its determinants (20, 21). Regional epidemiological
oral health surveys for schoolchildren in Peninsular Malaysia were conducted in 1970 and 1988, while
national level oral health surveys for schoolchildren were conducted in 1997 and 2007 (22, 23, 24, 25,
26). In addition to these national level studies, various smaller studies have been conducted to
investigate risk behaviours and other health aspects among adolescents (27, 28).

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